Exploring Alberobello during the Christmas season is a unique experience, as this enchanting town, adorned with flowers in the summer, shines with vibrant garlands, colorful Christmas ornaments, and brilliant symbols of the coziest family celebrations in the winter!
Alberobello is renowned mainly for its unique Trulli houses. One theory suggests that their name originates from 1500 BC, when the Greek word "tholos" referred to a dome. During the Byzantine era, the domed hall of the imperial palace in Constantinople was termed "torulos," and eventually, the Latin word "turris" described a small tower.
The initial Trulli emerged in the 15th-16th centuries, when the Puglia region was governed by the Aragon dynasty, followed by the Bourbons. A distinctive characteristic of trulli is their construction without mortar to bind the stones. Instead, stone blocks were stacked atop one another to ensure stability. This building technique offered durability while allowing easy disassembly if needed. Why didn't they use the solution?
One of the reasons is the tax policy of the time. The authorities, in an effort to avoid taxation on construction, demanded that houses be quickly dismantled, as this made it possible to classify such buildings as temporary. Not only residential buildings were built on the same principle, but also other buildings, such as utility buildings.
The Trulli were constructed using limestone, which was readily available in this area. The stones were arranged in circular patterns, with each layer of stones progressively narrowing as it went upward, forming a distinctive cone shape. Typically, the roof of a trullo resembled a tent and was topped with a decorative stone pinnacle, which could feature various symbols. These symbols might be religious, like crosses, or magical, such as stars or circles, representing the beliefs of the local inhabitants.
The Trulli were used not only as dwellings, but also as agricultural warehouses and even wine storage areas. Because the area was known for rural labor, such houses provided coolness on hot summer days and kept warm in winter.
Alberobello, famous for its trulli, became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, and this has led to an increase in tourists who dream of seeing such a unique and photogenic town in southern Italy. Here you can see thousands of trulli, many of which are preserved in excellent condition and are used as housing, shops, cafes and even hotels.
The route starts from the largest trulli in the town – Trullo Sovrano. Visiting and exploring the interior is a must in order to truly immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the past of these unique places.
Then, very close by, another treasure – trullo of 1600 year.
Gradually moving towards the old center of Alberobello, you will see the stunning building of la Basilica dei Santi Medici.
However, its two towering bell towers, dedicated to the patron saints of the city, the Medici Cosma and Damiano, will always accompany you on the horizon during a walk through Alberobello. Inside the church, which combines two architectural styles, Baroque and neoclassicism, there are two wooden statues from 1782 and 1784 and relics containing fragments of St. Cosma and St. Domian.
Soon you will reach a panoramic square with stunning views of the old Alberobello Rione Monti with its numerous snow-white cone trulli. A must-have place for photos!
Head to the main Piazza del Popolo, encircled by stunning houses. Strolling through the narrow streets lets you soak in the city's atmosphere. Be sure to explore the quaint shops offering local crafts and souvenirs. These spots are definitely popular among photographers and bloggers, as every corner of Alberobello is truly distinctive!
Stop at one of the trulli bakeries for a cup of coffee and taste the local sweet pastizzi (pies with different fillings), and for lunch order orecchiette (traditional pasta in the form of ears), burrata (fresh cheese with a soft composition inside), taralli (dry biscuits with olive oil), seafood and meat dishes. Many restaurants in Alberobello offer atmospheric dinners at trulli houses, which will make your experience even more unique.
After lunch, visit the Museo dei trulli, which will tell you even more about the history and architecture of these unique buildings and about the life of the locals in the past. Be sure to take a look inside to admire the interior of St. Anthony's Church, which is also built in the Trulli style and is considered one of the most important architectural landmarks of the city.
In the evening, after most tourists leave the city, you can stroll through the empty streets, enjoying the silence and the view of the illuminated trulli and sunset from the observation decks of the city. Order an aperitif or an outdoor dinner and enjoy the view of the old part of the city.
If you're planning a trip to Italy's sunny southern region Puglia and its renowned towns, especially Alberobello, the ideal way to discover the city is by joining a guided tour with a professional guide! Don't hesitate to contact me for your tailored itinerary or private travel activities in Italy!
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