Alberobello is a town in the Puglia region, in southern Italy. It is known as the «capital of the trulli», due to the characteristic and picturesque houses typical of the area.
The architectural uniqueness and historical importance of this Italian municipality have been recognized by Unesco and Alberobello has been a World Heritage Site since 1996. In addition, the Italian Touring Club has awarded the town the Orange Flag, a mark of quality for tourism, environment and ANCI recognized it as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy.
The history of Alberobello
The trulli are a type of conical construction of dry stone, traditional to central-southern Puglia. Most of them are located in the Itria Valley, where Alberobello is located. Although these buildings are the refinement of the prehistoric thòlos, present in various areas of Italy, however, the trulli are distinguished from them by their continuity of use.
The oldest trulli in Alberobello date back to the 14th century. It was precisely in this period that these initially uninhabited lands were assigned to the first Count of Conversano Andrea Matteo III Acquaviva d’Aragona, who decided to introduce about forty peasant families from the fiefdom of Noci. Over time, rural settlements arose in the area that, little by little, merged, forming true villages, later nicknamed Aia Piccola and Monti.
To avoid paying taxes for the new settlements to the Kingdom of Naples, the new settlers were forced to build dry stone walls, without mortar, so that they could be easily dismantled. However, the use of this particular construction technique was also due to the abundance of limestone and karst stone in those areas, which were used for construction.
Walking tour Alberobello in 4k
What to see in Alberobello, main attractions to visit
The district of Rione Monti is made up of 1030 trulli. These are lined up along the edges of eight irregular streets that progress towards the top of the hill, at the top of which stands the church of Sant’Antonio da Padova, also in the shape of a teal
You can admire trulli of all kinds, but the best known are the Siamese trulli, joined at the top but with entrances facing two different streets. Once connected by an outer gate, it is said that they were separated as a result of a feud between two brothers, in love with the same girl. Many of the trulli in this area are home to small shops and craft shops where you can do some shopping.
At Piazza Gian Girolamo D’Acquaviva D’Aragona, you can admire the Rione Monti from above, here you find the rooftop Belvedere or Terrazza di Santa Lucia, open to visitors in the 90s.
The Rione Aia Piccola is an area that includes 400 trulli, almost all of them inhabited. A perfect place to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the old medieval town since, compared to other areas of the city, it is the only one that is not invaded by commercial activity. In this area is the Trullo Sovrano, a two-storey trullo with a huge façade. Today it is a house-museum with an entrance fee that can be visited to admire the furnished rooms and the Mediterranean garden.
Between Aia Piccola and Piazza del Popolo rises Casa Pezzolla, a unique architectural ensemble of its kind, made up of 15 connected trulli. Today it is the headquarters of the Territory Museum, ideal for those who want to learn about the culture of the area by learning about the main productive activities in the area and admiring the typical furniture of a trullo from the peasant era. Between one district and another, a stop at one of the city’s trulli is a must, to taste local delicacies such as orecchiette with turnip tops and taste the typical products of the area.
More about Alberobello and Puglia
If you visit Alberobello, do not miss other towns to visit in the Apulia region.
The most important towns are: Bari, Polignano a Mare, Locorotondo, Ostuni, Otranto, Lecce.
It is best to get around by rental car, you will save time, and you will be able to visit many small towns.
If you move by train, remember to check the schedules in advance, since there are usually few lines available to reach some towns.