Last Updated on: 10th February 2025, 06:34 am
Alberobello is located in the Puglia region in southern Italy, renowned for its unique and picturesque trulli houses. You will spot trulli all over Puglia, but Alberobello has the most extensive collection of just trulli buildings in one place!
These traditional limestone dwellings with conical roofs create a fairy-tale-like atmosphere that attracts visitors from around the world – a lot of visitors!!
The town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its architectural uniqueness and historical significance.
Alberobello is undoubtedly one of the most touristy towns in Puglia. I advise getting there early, ideally before 9 a.m., to see Alberobello before the crowds arrive or staying overnight in a Trullo and enjoying the town once the majority have departed. Otherwise, you’ll just get caught up in a sea of tourists.
Half a day is all you really need to explore Alberobello. Staying overnight in a trullo would undoubtedly be a magical experience. I was tempted to do that, but in the end, I opted to stay a couple of nights in nearby Locorotondo, and I don’t regret my decision.
What is a Trullo?
A trullo (plural: trulli) is a traditional Puglian dry stone hut with a conical roof. These structures are made without using mortar, using a prehistoric building technique that involves carefully placing the limestone boulders. The conical roofs are often topped with a decorative pinnacle and sometimes adorned with symbols.
These unique houses have a centuries-old history, some dating back to the 14th century. They were initially built as a response to the taxation laws of the time, which required residents to pay taxes on their homes.
The ingenious design of the Trulli, constructed without cement and with removable stone roofs, allowed the residents to quickly dismantle their homes to evade taxation when tax collectors were in the area.
What Do the Signs on a Trulli Mean?
The whitewashed symbols painted on the conical roofs of trulli are primarily of a religious or superstitious nature. They typically fall into three categories:
Christian Symbols: Crosses, hearts, and other Christian iconography meant to offer protection and blessings.
Pagan Symbols: Ancient symbols, such as the sun, moon, and stars, reflect older pagan beliefs and practices.
Magical Symbols: Decorative or magical symbols intended to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune.
What to Do in Alberobello
Explore the Trulli Districts:
Rione Monti: This is the larger and more commercial part of Alberobello, where you can wander through narrow streets lined with hundreds of Trulli, many of which house shops, cafes, and small museums. Located on a slight incline, it contains over 1,000 trulli and almost no other type of building style. It is touristy, with gift shops in every other doorway, but it is also very pretty.
Aia Piccola: A quieter and more residential area, offering a more authentic and less crowded experience.
Visit the Trullo Sovrano, the only two-story trullo in Alberobello. It is now a museum showcasing the region’s traditional life and artefacts.
Church of St. Anthony: A trullo-style church in the Rione Monti district, unique for its architectural design.
Souvenir Shopping: Many trulli have been converted into souvenir shops where you can buy local crafts, pottery, textiles and, of course, fridge magnets.
How To Get To Alberobello
Getting to Alberobello is easy by car, but public transportation is also possible. The trulli is a ten-minute walk from the bus stop and train station.
Distance And Driving Times From Other Popular Destinations In Puglia and Beyond
Bari – 55 kilometres, one hour
Monopoli – 20 kilometres, 30 minutes
Ostuni – 30 kilometres, 45 minutes
Lecce – 115 kilometres, one hour 30 minutes
Matera – 70 kilometres, one hour 15 minutes
Locorotondo – 9 kilometres, 15 minutes
I chose to base myself in lovely Locorotondo for a few nights, and getting to Alberobello by bus was easy.
Remember, if you travel by bus around Italy, you must buy a ticket in advance. You can buy a bus ticket from a “cartoleria,” a shop selling magazines and newspapers. Most train and bus stations in Italy have cartoleria shops.
You can also buy bus tickets from most “tabaccheria” shops. A tabaccheria is a tobacco shop found throughout Italian towns and cities. Look for a sign with a big T. I actually bought my ticket in advance for this trip using the Trainline app.
Would I Recommend Visiting Alberobello
Yes, even though it is very touristy, it’s very popular for a reason. Alberobello offers a unique travel experience with its distinctive trulli architecture. And if you are in Puglia, you should definitely stop by, even if it’s just for a few hours.
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