What comes to mind when you think of the most incredible hidden gems in Italy? Perhaps the striking red and yellow houses of Vernazza, or perhaps the mysterious ghost town of l’Orrido di Bellano? If you’re thinking of a place that speaks for itself with only a glimpse and not much more, then we have just the place for you. Alberobello is a small town found in the Italian region of Puglia. Also known as “the City of Trulli”, this quaint little settlement has become famous for its distinct conical bell-shaped Trullo houses.
Stroll through its narrow cobbled alleys and admire these beautiful homes – here is your ultimate guide to the best things to do in Alberobello in less than 3 days.
1. Where is Alberobello?
Alberobello is a small town in the province of Bari, Puglia, and is famous for its unique Trulli buildings. A trullo is a traditional Apulian dry stone hut with a conical roof. Their style of construction is specific to the Itria Valley, in the Murge area of the Italian region of Apulia. The Trulli of Alberobello has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996.
Since the Trullo houses are designed without a solid foundation (i.e. without a basement), they are built on stilts to protect them from flooding. The stilts also help maintain air circulation within the house, making them quite comfortable.
2. What is Alberobello known for?
Alberobello is known for its distinct conical bell-shaped Trullo houses and its unique Trulli Museum. The Trulli Museum was opened in 2001 and is one of the most important museums in the region. The museum aims to preserve the history of the Trullo houses and hosts various exhibitions. It is the perfect place to learn about the region’s culture and history, and we highly recommend visiting the museum before your trip ends.
3. Is Alberobello worth visiting?
Alberobello is not only a great place to visit, but it’s also the perfect gateway to explore the beautiful towns and villages of southern Italy. Alberobello is a small town found in the Italian region of Apulia; it is also known as “the City of Trulli”. Alberobello is famous for its distinct conical bell-shaped Trullo houses, which were first introduced by the region’s first settlers, the shepherds. Since the Trullo houses are designed without a solid foundation (i.e. without a basement), they are built on stilts to protect them from flooding. The stilts also help maintain air circulation within the house, making them quite comfortable.
Best things to do in Alberobello:
Sovereign Trullo
Sovereign Trullo
This is the oldest Trullo that is currently standing, dating back to 1880. It was built by Giulio Florio, the most famous trullo builder of all time. This truly was built with a red terracotta roof and has been carefully preserved for future generations to admire. The Trullo was once used as a bar and restaurant, however, it was then bought by the public administration and transformed into a museum. So what are you waiting for? Head on down to the Sovereign Trullo, and enjoy a slice of history.
Stroll around the Rione Monti (the ‘Trulli district’ of Alberobello)
The Rione Monti is the ‘Trulli district’ of Alberobello and is the perfect place to admire the town’s distinct Trullo houses. The Rione Monti is the most historic part of Alberobello and the most iconic area of the town. The Rione Monti is home to over 200 trullo houses, which have been carefully preserved for almost a century. Alberobello’s oldest Trullo houses can be found in the Rione Monti. During your stroll around the Rione Monti, you will come across some of Alberobello’s most famous Trullo houses. Here are a few of them: – The D’Amore House is one of the most popular Trullo houses in the Rione Monti and was built in the early 1900s. It is one of the most photographed buildings in Alberobello and is also known as the “House of Love” due to its shape resembling two intertwined hearts. – The Caruso House is another popular trullo house in the Rione Monti. This truly was built in 1910 and is the home of the “Tenor of Tragedy”, who is none other than the famous singer, Enrico Caruso. – The Sant’Antonio Church is one of the most important buildings in Alberobello. This church was built in the early 1900s and was declared a national monument in 2006.
Take a walking tour
We highly recommend taking a walking tour of Alberobello, as it will allow you to explore the town on foot. During your walking tour, your local guide will introduce you to the town’s history, culture and architecture. Your tour guide will also show you around the Rione Monti, where you can admire the town’s most important Trullo buildings, such as the Sant’Antonio Church. Most walking tours last for about two hours and cost around €15 per person. If you don’t want to join a walking tour, then you can also explore the town on your own. In this case, we recommend downloading a podcast or an audio guide of Alberobello, so that you can learn everything there is to know about the town while exploring it independently.
Basilica of Saints Cosmas and Damian
This beautiful church can be found in the center of Alberobello. The Basilica of Saints Cosmas and Damian was built in 1910 and features Moorish architecture. This beautiful church is a must-see in Alberobello and is also one of the most photographed buildings in the town. Inside the Basilica of Saints Cosmas and Damian, you will find two beautiful marble statues of Saints Cosmas and Damian. These two saints are attributed with healing powers, and Alberobello has always been associated with medicine and healing.
Things to know before visiting Alberobello
The Trullo houses of Alberobello are fragile buildings that need to be preserved. Due to this, it is a must to respect the Trullo houses while exploring Alberobello.
Here are a few things to keep in mind while exploring Alberobello: do not climb on the Trullo houses, or sit on the roofs, do not take any objects from the Trullo houses, or the gardens, do not eat or drink while exploring the town, do not feed the animals in the town, and do not throw away any objects in the town.
Visit Alberobello to admire these beautiful homes, and experience southern Italy like never before, but first of all, make sure you download Framey App (available on Google Play and Apple Store) and start exploring many other unique places around the world!
You can continue your journey by learning about Hidden Milan: 25 Art galleries and museums you probably didn’t know about, or you can go deeper into Florence. The choice is yours!
