Explore Alberobello: The City of Trulli Houses and the Most Famous in Apulia. Read this Mini Guide to Make Sure You Don’t Miss Any Detail of This Stunning UNESCO Heritage Town and Immerse Yourself in the Infinite Beauty of the Itria Valley!

When talking about Apulia, it is impossible not to mention the famous and outstanding Alberobello. This is the city of the iconic Trulli Houses, unique structures characterized by conical roofs, and it is one of the most popular and visited destinations in the entire region.

Visiting Alberobello is truly fascinating, especially because of these structures.

The origin of the Trulli Houses is quite peculiar: some experts suggest that they have been around since the 14th century, but in the 15th century, they saw their maximum expansion. This happened following a decree from the Kingdom of Naples that imposed heavy taxes on every new urban settlement. Faced with this imposition, the ingenuity of the population led to the creation of buildings that could be easily dismantled. When the king’s inspectors came to collect the taxes, removing the keystone was enough to turn the houses into piles of stones, thus avoiding the payment of levies.

In the following years, residents improved the structures by adding mortar, transforming them into much safer and more permanent homes. In 1996, the Trulli Houses of Alberobello were recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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How to Get to Alberobello in Apulia

Alberobello is located in the picturesque Itria Valley, in the heart of central Apulia, near other renowned towns such as Locorotondo and Ostuni. It is about an hour southeast of Bari and only 30 minutes south of Polignano a Mare.

Since Apulia is one of the most sought-after destinations for road trips in Italy, reaching Alberobello by car as part of a broader itinerary is generally the preferred and most flexible method. Once you arrive, there are numerous parking options available, with paid options usually offering the most efficient solution. Many parking areas offer free parking before 9 AM, making an early arrival a good strategy to avoid the crowds.

However, there are several other transport options available, such as trains and buses.

Some trains connect Alberobello with other cities in Apulia, although a transfer may be required, especially when traveling from Bari. From Locorotondo, on the other hand, direct and very convenient trains are available.

Alberobello is also served by buses that connect the town with many other locations in the Itria Valley and beyond. From Bari, a bus takes just over an hour to reach Alberobello, making this means of transport more convenient than the train in some cases.

The Best Things to Do in Alberobello

Alberobello is a picturesque town perfect for a day trip; its small size allows you to explore it extensively in just a few hours. However, an overnight visit and staying in a Trullo can provide you with a magical experience worth having!

Trulli, with their characteristic stone structures, are the main attraction! In my opinion, the real beauty is discovered by wandering, letting yourself be guided by the winding alleys among these distinctive homes.

Along the main street, you will notice the Rione Monti district, an ideal starting point for exploration.

Every corner of the labyrinthine alleys, lined on both sides with these peculiar little houses, with entrances decorated with cacti and flowers, allows you to take unique and spectacular photos!

Many of these structures have been converted over time into souvenir shops, restaurants, and vacation rentals. However, by moving slightly away from the center, it is still possible to find locals living in these charming stone dwellings.

For those who prefer an expert guide to discover the city’s history and culture, complete and guided tours are available for booking (like this one, click here to book). This way, you can deepen your knowledge of this town and fully appreciate all its nuances during your visit.

The Unique Panorama of Alberobello

Admiring Alberobello’s panorama is a wonderful and unmissable experience, thanks to its characteristic white stone walls and the gray conical roofs of Trulli.

The town offers several panoramic viewpoints that are a true delight for the eyes and provide the opportunity to take breathtaking photos.

Belvedere Terrazza Santa Lucia, located near the church of the same name, is probably the best panoramic spot in town. From here, you can admire all the conical roofs and the picturesque alleys weaving through them. It is the ideal place to capture the unique essence of this town.

Villa Comunale Belvedere Park, on the other hand, located a short distance from the Church of Santa Lucia, is perfect for relaxation. This park offers a peaceful atmosphere and an ideal space to sit at a café in a Trullo and enjoy a coffee while admiring a spectacular view of the surrounding Houses and the charming urban landscape of the city.

Parish of Saint Anthony of Padua

The Parish of Saint Anthony of Padua is one of Alberobello’s main attractions, renowned for being one of the largest Trullo churches in the world. This monumental structure retains the typical architecture, with a towering stone dome and a relatively short nave. Although it is not as richly decorated as other Italian churches, it is certainly worth a visit for its impressive walls and unique dome!

Alberobello’s most special attractions

Discover the Smallest Trullo: This is the smallest trullo in Italy–a tiny dwelling, it is the smallest jewel of Alberobello. No comprehensive guidebook can fail to mention it, so don’t miss the chance to visit it to browse what life was like here.

The Siamese Trullo: Continuing with the exploration, you cannot miss a shot with a Siamese trullo. It’s really easy to come across a “Siamese” structure while walking through the lanes! This type of two-pronged trullo may look like it consists of two exterior units, but inside it is unique and features a single roof.

Explore the Casa D’Amore: Throughout history, trulli never represented luxury living until the Casa D’Amore was built, which transformed it from a modest residence to a palace. This structure was erected shortly after the liberation of Alberobello, symbolizing the end of the feud of the counts of Conversano. It was the first use of mortar that allowed the addition of two more floors without the risk of subsidence, marking an important architectural evolution.

Casa D’Amore has served different purposes over time, from the residence of Francesco d’Amore to the seat of the City Council. Today it is one of the most iconic historic buildings in the Apulian city.

Life in a Trullo at the Trullo Sovrano

The Trullo Sovrano, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a major attraction for understanding architecture and daily life centuries ago. It is the only trullo in the city with two floors, making it one of a kind.

Built-in the 18th century by a wealthy family, the Trullo Sovrano was originally extended by a 17th-century building visible on the left side. Over the centuries, it has served as a family residence, monastery, grocery store, courthouse, and also as a place of veneration for the relics of Cosimo and Damiano, the patron saints of this village.

Even today, Trullo Sovrano has been owned by the Sumerano family for more than 100 years. A visit will give you an authentic experience of the interior architecture and daily life of the time, with the chance to admire original 19th-century furniture and furnishings!

The esoteric, religious and magical symbols on the Trulli roofs

Keen observers will surely notice the designs that adorn Alberobello’s conical roofs, many of which are decorated with esoteric symbols visible on the front facades, painted white with lime, and set between the stones that form the cones.

These are symbols related to ancient cults, Christianity, magic, and local traditions. These include primitive signs such as circles and triangles, Christian symbols such as crosses and pierced hearts, and pagan figures such as eagles and snakes.
Some recall astrology and the zodiac, while others, more personal, represent initials, crafts, or agricultural elements.

Discovering these symbols adds fascination to the visit, offering a glimpse into the history and culture of the place.

Where to stay in Alberobello

One of the most evocative experiences in Alberobello is staying in a trullo. Many of them have been restored to offer a comfortable and authentic stay, complete with all modern conveniences, ideal for couples or families.
Often inside these Trulli you will find a minimalist and modern design, totally at odds with the simplicity of the exteriors, but it is certainly an experience I recommend as well as a walk through Alberobello by night.

Alberobello is worth a visit! Despite being very busy, touristy and commercialized, it retains a unique architecture that cannot be replicated elsewhere in the world and, is worth it!

To enjoy the tranquility and avoid the summer heat, I highly recommend arriving around 8 am.

Strolling around Alberobello was like stepping into a postcard from another time, with cobblestone alleys winding between white houses and craft stores filled with small treasures. The air smelled of freshly baked focaccia, and every corner seemed to hold a story to tell.

I loved getting lost among the narrow streets, discovering unexpected glimpses, and enjoying the silence of the early morning hours, when the city still seemed immersed in a gentle torpor.
It is an experience that has an authentic Apulian flavor, made up of simple but unforgettable details.

In the afternoon, you can explore Locorotondo, Martina Franca, Cisternino, Ostuni, Polignano a Mare or Monopoli!

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