This Is Italy
Alberobello is located in the heel of the Italian boot and is part of the province of Bari. It is one of the most famous places in the unexplored Apulia (Puglia), which has recently become very popular among tourists. Alberobello is nothing short of magical and here's why.
The trulli of Alberobello
The town of Alberobello (literally: beautiful tree) is not only located on a beautiful plateau in the Pugliese landscape, it is also a true gnome village with its magical round houses with conical roofs. They could just have been drawn by Anton Pieck, but they really exist.
We are, of course, talking about the trulli, has become the symbol of the Apulia region. And when it comes to trulli, Alberobello is the capital. In the neighborhoods of Rione Monti and Aia Piccola there are even only traditional houses of this kind.
Rione Monti – the oldest part of the city – was declared a national monument in 1910. In 1996 UNESCO put the trulli of Alberobello on the World Heritage List. Alberobello is also one of the most beautiful places in Apulia, in our opinion.
What exactly is a trullo?
Nice, all those white, round gnome houses. But why are they there? In fact, they are shabby houses built with a prehistoric building technique to avoid high taxes.
The Kingdom of Naples needed a lot of money in the 15th and 16th centuries and that could easily be obtained from citizens with their own house.
But the Italians from the area where the province of Bari now lies were hard to beat. They built houses with loose, flat stones that could be built just as quickly as they were torn down. Handy for when the tax inspector comes by.
The round shape with the conical roof came about naturally because they could not use cement.
From the 18th century, ordinary houses were also built in Alberobello and the surrounding area, but the poor inhabitants of the region continued to build new trulli until about 100 years ago. They weren't expensive to make either.
Whether the above story is really true or just a fun anecdote is not entirely clear. It could also be related to the Greek invasion or the deforestation of the region…
Anyway, most of the trulli have since been renovated, expanded (the original trulli had only one room) and reinforced with cement.
Strange Symbols
And then there are the strange symbols on the roofs of the trulli. Some of those signs have Christian origins, others are clearly pagan.
It is believed that these symbols were to protect the inhabitants from evil and crop failure. However, the exact reason has not been elucidated here either. It makes the trulli just that little bit more mysterious.
One trullo is not the other
Don't think that all trulli are exactly the same. If you pay attention you can see different types, including the Siamese trullo and the only trullo - the Trullo Sovrano - of 2 floors. Of course there is also a trullo church. The Sant'Antonio in Alberobello is the only trullo church in the world. This was completed in 1926.
As well as the many perfectly sauced and flowered trulli in the center of Alberobello, you will also find a few truly authentic ones, especially if you get off the beaten trulli paths and go trullo hunting for miles around Alberobello.
You can indulge yourself in the places Locorotondo, Cisternino, Ostuni, Castellana Grotte, Ceglie Messapica and Martina Franca. There you will find many old trulli without windows and unnecessary finery.
Other places of interest in Alberobello
Tourists mainly come to Alberobello to see the more than 1.500 trulli. That is why, in fact, all sights revolve around these authentic houses. But there is certainly a lot to experience in and around the trulli.
- But it's also just enjoying what the narrow streets to wander and enjoy the flowering plants and the strands of peppers hanging here and there to dry against the bright white backgrounds. If you can't take nice pictures here, you won't succeed anywhere!
- Do you want to know more about the history of the trullo? Then go to it Museo del Territorio Casa Pezzolla. Other museums in Alberobello are the Wine Museum (wine museum) and the Museo dell'Artigianato (handicraft museum).
- De Sovrano Trullo from 1785 is the only trullo with 2 floors and a fixed staircase. You can view this trullo for €1,50 per person.
- Also don't forget to get one of the roof terraces to go into town. From here you have a great view over all those cute gabled roofs.
- Naturally, Alberobello is bursting with bars and restaurants. Although it is very touristy, the prices here are often more reasonable than in Tuscany.
The weather in Alberobello
The best time to travel to Alberobello is in spring and autumn. The heat and crowds in the high season are best avoided if you want a more authentic experience.
- In winter, the average temperature in Alberobello is about 8 – 13 degrees Celsius.
- In summer the average temperature is between 20 – 30 degrees Celsius.
The warm season runs from mid-June to mid-September.
How do you get there?
If you come by (rental) car you can just drive there, for example from the airport of Bari or Brindisi. Or directly from your accommodation elsewhere in Apulia.
It is best to park the car outside the town and then walk into the center. The town also has a few large parking lots.
Are you more of the slow travelling? Then you can also take the train from Bari. Then you travel through the beautiful landscape of Apulia to Alberobello with the poor little man and you just get off in the town.
Alberobello: must-see on every trip to Puglia
Some may find Alberobello a bit too Efteling magical, but just because of those unique trulli you should see Alberobello with your own eyes. Travel in low season if possible. And don't forget your sunglasses. All that white sparkles in your eyes!
Would you like to spend the night in a trullo?
If you want to make it completely magical, then you should definitely consider staying overnight in Alberobello. Imagine what it would be like to wake up in this magical gnome village?
At several B&Bs you can even sleep in a real trullo, small but very cosy. Many trullos are also equipped with modern conveniences.
Can you already see yourself relaxing here? (photo: booking.com) 
Sleeping in your own Tiny House Trullo (Image: YouTube)
Tip: ✅ Here are some great places to stay in Alberobello.
Have you ever been to Alberobello?
We are curious: have you ever been to Alberobello yourself? Do you have any great tips for sights or activities? Special photos you've taken? Let us know and let other Italy lovers join in the fun!
Photos: Pixabay
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