During your trip to Puglia have you planned a stop in the capital of the Trulli and are you wondering what to see in Alberobello?
Then this is the article for you because, besides revealing the main attractions of Alberobello, we will also tell you curiosities and secrets about this enchanting village.
Let’s face it: a trip to Puglia cannot be considered such without a visit, even short, of Alberobello. We don’t write this because Alberobello is where we have our office, we’re not that vain. Alberobello is in fact recognized as one of the “most beautiful villages in Italy” and is the only village whose historic center is made up of Trulli, conical dry stone constructions that give Alberobello an absolute uniqueness.
Alberobello, in Puglia, with its Trulli is one of the 54 Italian sites included by UNESCO in the World Heritage List, it represents a unique place in the world and it is impossible not to be fascinated and struck by its scenographic impact. Walking in Alberobello’s narrow roads is like being immersed in a fairy tale, for this reason, is a place loved by everyone: adults and children.
Since 1996, UNESCO has declared Alberobello and its Trulli a World Heritage Site. Although there are Trulli in a much larger area of Puglia, Alberobello is the only town that has a historic center consisting of Trulli: you can count 1500 of them spread in all town!
WHAT ARE TRULLI
Trulli are dry stone constructions, built directly on the rock, without foundations, with roughly worked stone blocks resting on each other, without lime to fix them together and covered by a conical structure of small slabs of gray limestone.
If you want to learn more, we suggest to take a look at this article where you can find all the information on the trulli.
WHY ALBEROBELLO WAS BUILT WITH TRULLI?
At the end of the XV century, Alberobello passed under the County of Conversano who required that the Trulli be erected dry according to the interlocking stone technique. The aim of the count was to be able to demolish them quickly in case of inspection by the emissaries of the Kingdom of Naples, in order to not to pay taxes on housing. So Alberobello was an abusive village until 1797 when the 3500 inhabitants rebelled against the feudal yoke.
The symbols on Trulli’s cones have always aroused great curiosity. They are hand-drawn and with lime. They have different origins and inspiration: Judaism, zodiacal and astral elements, Christianity, paganism.
WHAT TO SEE IN ALBEROBELLO
One day is enough to visit the town. Here’s what to see in one day in Alberobello.
The most popular Trulli districts of Alberobello are Rione Monti and Rione Aia Piccola.
Sant’Antonio Church stands on the extreme appendage of Rione Monti. The building itself is simple, but the peculiarity lies in its Trullo shape!
One of the most extraordinary buildings of Alberobello is Trullo Sovrano, built at the end of the XVIII century. The name emphasizes that at the time it was the only Trullo with a raised floor. The dome is 14 meters high, an extraordinary measure for a dry construction. The interior consists of 12 small cones and a stone staircase to access the upper floor. The dome is supported by four mighty arches, while the walls conceal wall cupboards and lockers. The Trullo Sovrano is a national monument since 1930.
Behind the Trullo Sovrano stands the SS. Medici Cosma and Damiano Church. The cathedral dedicated to the patron saints of the town was born on the ruins of an older church and has undergone numerous renovations.
Another point of interest is the Casa D’Amore, one of the first buildings in the town. Its peculiarity is a balcony framed by an arch. The house is named after the owner Francesco D’Amore who built the house in the 18th century to celebrate the victorious rebellion of the inhabitants against feudal tyranny. The house was erected on August 1, 1797 with materials until then forbidden: lime and mortar. In the plaque affixed to the facade we read in Latin: “By directing resolution this house was the first one built in lime”.
Among the things to visit in Alberobello, there is also the Museo del Territorio. It is a complex of 15 contiguous and communicating Trulli of different sizes and styles. The museum was born precisely to preserve and pass on the history of Trulli. Inside the museum, a multi-lingual guided tour will take you to the discovery of artistic testimonies, historical-educational documents, artifacts, and memorabilia.
The last destination not to be missed is the Belvedere terrace, next to the church of Santa Lucia: from this elevated position, it is possible to admire the entire Rione Monti, a unique panorama that will remain etched forever in your mind.
AROUND ALBEROBELLO
If you choose Alberobello as a base for your trip to Puglia, you can take a look at our villa collection, some of them are even within walking distance from the Capital of the Trulli while remaining immersed in the countryside and maintaining complete privacy.
If you choose to rent one of our villas, get advice from our concierge on what to see and do during your stay. In fact, the whole Trulli Valley offers enchanting villages such as Locorotondo, Cisternino, Ostuni and Martina Franca, and a rural landscape to be discovered, with farms, dry stone walls, olive trees, and great food to taste.
Alberobello also represents a strategic location for those who intend to invest in a property in Puglia. Take a look at this article to find out what the investment possibilities are and feel free to contact us for any information.
