When we think about taking a trip to Italy, the most popular and tourist-filled destinations usually come to mind. However, throughout the Italian peninsula, there are charming locations rich in cultural and artistic heritage, full of history and the remnants of past generations. This article introduces you to a delightful spot in the south of Italy. Right in the heel of the boot lies the region of Puglia. This area is highly attractive for many reasons, including its paradisiacal beaches, pleasant climate, beautiful natural landscapes, and of course, its famous trulli. These are the circular buildings found in the Itria Valley, particularly in the magical town of Alberobello. Pay close attention to the following information—it will be very useful if you ever decide to visit this fantastic destination.
What are the trulli
The famous trulli are peculiar white constructions with a conical shape. Their roofs are stone cones, and the walls are thick and built using a dry-stone technique, meaning no mortar was used. Their history dates back to the 16th century when farmers, seeking to evade taxes, would dismantle their trulli easily when they learned a tax collector was coming. By building these structures in such a precarious way, they could be quickly torn down and rebuilt after the inspection. Thanks to this clever strategy, we can now enjoy and even stay in these unique constructions, which began to be rebuilt with mortar starting in the 19th century. Nowadays, there are trulli hotels in Puglia offering the experience of staying in a real trullo with all kinds of services and amenities, plus incredible and stunning views of the Itria Valley.
Alberobello, capital of the trulli
The trulli tradition spreads throughout the Itria Valley among vast vineyards, but the highest concentration is found in the town of Alberobello, which is considered the capital of the trulli. With more than 1,500 trulli clustered together, its architectural ensemble is unique in the world and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. Alberobello is a magical place steeped in history. Today, the town is very well maintained, and all the trulli are perfectly clean and decorated with flowers. Most are local residences, but there are also local businesses, restaurants, and hotels, as mentioned earlier. You can also find trulli in the surrounding areas of Alberobello, particularly in Locorotondo and Conversano.
Must-sees in Alberobello
The first recommendation is to visit the two most famous districts of Alberobello, where trulli are most concentrated: Rione Monti, which is the most touristic, and Rione Aia Piccola, a peaceful, residential neighborhood. Rione Monti offers numerous tourist services so you can explore with everything you might need, from a tourist office to restaurants.
The following must-sees in Alberobello include visiting the popular Trullo Siamese, characterized by two trulli rising from a single base, each with its own roof but joined like Siamese twins; strolling down Via Monte Nero, one of the most commercial streets filled with shops and restaurants, all inside trulli; discovering the Parish Church of Saint Anthony of Padua, which, although not a trullo, is architecturally inspired by them; and finally, visiting the Trullo Sovrano, the tallest one at 14 meters, and the only one with two floors.
As you can see, visiting Alberobello, in the region of Puglia, can be a magical adventure into the world of the trulli. It is a beautiful place well worth visiting when exploring this wonderful region. Puglia offers countless unforgettable experiences, such as visiting and staying in the trulli of Alberobello.
Don’t wait any longer—choose good company and enjoy an authentic experience in a trullo. It will be an unforgettable adventure!
