On this tour of Palermo, we’ll take a food journey to discover the most traditional sweets of the Sicilian capital. We’ll explore everything from convents to markets. An ideal plan for those with a sweet tooth!
Tour Details
After meeting in Piazza Pretoria, we’ll head into the heart of Palermo. We’ll walk through streets that preserve Arab and Norman influences while discovering how sugar, almonds, and citrus fruits became true symbols of Palermo’s identity.
First, we’ll visit the workshop of the Monastery of Santa Caterina, one of the historic centers of monastic pastry-making in Sicily. There, we’ll learn about the origin of recipes created within cloistered walls, prepared with precision.
During a 45-minute visit, we’ll taste the famous Sicilian cannolo, whose fried shell achieves its perfect texture thanks to a carefully balanced dough. We’ll also try baked cassata, a masterful combination of ricotta, sponge cake, and candied citrus fruits. In addition, we’ll enjoy the genovese, a pastry filled with custard whose simplicity hides a precise technique.
Next, we’ll wander for 30 minutes through the lively alleys of the Ballarò Market, a true sensory experience. As we explore its stalls and take in its aromas, we’ll arrive at Terranova, a historic shop specializing in artisanal confectionery.
We’ll observe the process of making carob candies, a humble product known for its balsamic notes and naturally toasted flavor. Of course, we’ll taste these sweets flavored with Sicilian citrus fruits, whose concentration of essential oils defines them.
Finally, we’ll say our goodbyes at this last stop after a total of 2.5 hours of the tour.
