The Trulli of Alberobello
By Jill
What are the Trulli of Alberobello?
Alberobello is a small, historic town in southern Italy that almost shines with its whitewashed houses. What is truly special about these trulli (singular: trullo) is the shape of their roofs. They are usually domed, pyramidal, or conical. While these traditional Apulian houses can be found sprinkled across the countryside, Alberobello has the highest concentration of trulli. Some of them are over 700 years old.
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What is special about the trulli is not only their shape but also the method of construction. Built using a dry-stone wall technique, the houses in Alberobello are a great representation of this building tradition. So this town makes up a well-preserved historic architectural ensemble.
While the room in each trullo is typically square or rectangular, the roof is usually conical, made with two layers: an inner corbelled layer made of large stones and an outer layer of flat stones in concentric rings, tilted to allow water to flow down the cone. The walls are thick, with room to create alcoves and niches inside. They sit directly on bedrock. The high ceiling and thick walls helped keep the spaces cool. Historically, additional rooms, each with its own conical roof, would be added when needed. Some were used for housing, while others became storage spaces or stables.
Why is Alberobello a UNESCO World Heritage site?
According to UNESCO’s website, parts of Alberobello have been protected since 1909 because the trulli “illustrate the long-term use of dry-stone building, a technique which has a history of many thousands of years in the Mediterranean region”.
Besides, they are an outstanding example of both “a vernacular architectural ensemble that survives within a Historic Urban Landscape context” as well as of a “human settlement that retains its original form to a remarkable extent.”
What can you expect on a visit to Alberobello?
The town is exceptionally well-preserved, with over 1500 trulli, some of them hundreds of years old. Everything shines in neat white-painted limestone. It almost feels like the location of a fairy tale movie.
Alberobello is one of the most-visited towns in southern Italy and therefore quite touristy. So expect to see a lot of tourist shops along the main streets.
However, if you take the time to stroll through the side alleys, you’ll get a feeling of the authentic side of the Apulian way of life. So I highly recommend not just sticking to the main streets but allowing yourself to get lost. It’s a beautiful, almost magical area and every trullo has its own unique details.
Is Alberobello worth visiting?
The small town of Alberobello is definitely worth a day trip, if you’re on holiday in Apulia (also known as Puglia), the south of Italy. While you can see many trulli in the countryside or in other villages, Alberobello is the only place to find a large number of trulli in one town. You can spend half a day in Alberobello, but I wouldn’t stay right in the touristy town. Instead, find accommodation somewhere in the countryside.
Book accommodations in Puglia.
If you want to sleep in a trulli and you’re traveling by car, you could stay in an original trulli farmhouse in a quiet olive grove outside of town. Otherwise your best bet is to find one in town, but off the main touristy streets.
What sorts of travelers would like Alberobello?
If you’re interested in historic buildings or architecture, Alberobello is for you! But also if you’d like to gain insight into traditions and local customs, you’d like it. I’ve never seen another place like Alberobello, so it’s really unique.
Tips for visiting Alberobello
As a touristy place, I recommend visiting Alberobello either early in the morning or during the late afternoon, not just in order to avoid the tourist crowds, but also because it gets really hot at midday. Even if you visit in the winter, avoid weekends, when foreign tourists are joined by Italian tourists on day trips to make it even more crowded.
Some alleys are a bit steep and could be slippery after a rain shower. But normally, you’re fine with sandals. Don’t forget a hat and sun protection!
Where is Alberobello?
Located in the south of Italy, in the region called Apulia, Alberobello is around 50 km south of Bari. If you’re there with your own car or you’ve got a rental car, it’s a one-hour drive (first on the SS100 towards Casamassima and then the SS172 through Putignano until Alberobello).
You can also reach Alberobello by bus towards Martina Franca. After 1 hour 5 minutes, you can get off in Alberobello.
Alternatively, take a guided tour with transportation from Bari.
For more information about Alberobello, its opening hours and admission fees, see the official website of Alberobello Tourism.
Have you been to Alberobello? If so, do you have any additional information or advice about this UNESCO World Heritage site? Please add your comments below!