ALBEROBELLO
What are trulli (plural of trullo)?
A white whitewashed stone huts with conical roofs are unique house architecture in this Puglian region. Trulli houses date back to the 1500s when they were first built because there were many limestones available nearby and the structure of houses is not difficult to construct. Although they are simple and look primitive, they are actually quite clever. There are two layers for the walls, to provide insulation; the roof has a gutter system that collects rainwater, and fireplaces and ovens could easily be made within the walls in a way that was safe. The uniqueness and similarity of houses make the village very attractive and picturesque.
Where to see them?
Alberobello is a small town in Puglia known for picturesque Trulli houses. Trulli’s can be seen and visited around Itria Valley region and Alberobello is a village where the houses are most preserved. Hence why the trulli district is also under UNESCO. The main district in Alberobello to see those trilly is district Monto or district Aia Piaccola. Besides these houses, you can visit the church of Saint Anthony of Padua.
Is it worth it?
It is a truly beautiful and unique place to visit for half a day, but very much a tourist. Many of those houses have turned to be shops, cafes, and restaurants attracting hundreds of tourists every day. It is a great place to see the houses and inside them as well. Make sure to arrive by 11 am or after 3 pm to avoid tourist buses coming here. It is a significant architecture of Puglia, so I would still recommend it for a half a day trip. Make sure to also discover streets outside of the main districts and visit some of the free rooftops to see the village from higher up.
Where to stay?
Thinking of staying in Alberobello or in one of the Trulli for an experience? Explore what options you have either directly in Alberobello or in surrounding areas if you have a car to drive around.
