Alberobello: trulli and Puglia tours
Alberobello is a town and comune in southern Italy, within the Metropolitan City of Bari in Apulia. More than 1,500 trulli stand in the town, and their UNESCO World Heritage listing dates to 1996. These buildings also occur beyond Alberobello and have become a symbol of Puglia through their popularity.
Alberobello trulli
A trullo is a traditional hut from Apulia, built in dry stone and topped by a cone-shaped roof. The trulli here use corbelled dry-stone construction, a technique with prehistoric origins that remains in use in the region. The hillside quarter of Monti extends over 6 ha and contains 1,030 trulli. Tourism now accounts for almost all of the activity in Rione Monti.
Rione Monti contains the Trullo Siamese, whose two cones join at the centre. A legend connects these joined cones with a tale of love and hatred. Trullo Sovrano has two storeys and retains original furnishings from the early 20th century. The trullo church of Sant'Antonio was built in 1926 and 1927 and opened on 13 June 1927.
Puglia tours and the Itria Valley
The Itria Valley is also called the Valley of the Trulli and extends across parts of the provinces of Bari, Brindisi and Taranto. Its landscape brings together white trullo houses, red earth, green groves and vineyards. The name Locorotondo comes from the Latin Locus Rotundus, after the round shape of its old centre. Baroque architecture is a defining feature of Martina Franca.
A full-day private tour to the Alberobello trulli from Naples lasts 9 hours and includes private return transport from Naples, a licensed professional guide throughout, a guided walk through the UNESCO-listed trulli districts and an itinerary adapted to the group.
The private tour to the trulli of Alberobello from Naples lasts 8 hours, with private return transport from Naples, a professional private guide in Alberobello, entry to the town and Rione Monti, and tastings of Puglian delicacies.
An underground olive mill guided tour and tasting near Alberobello and Ostuni lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes, including a guided visit to the underground frantoio ipogeo, expert commentary about the mill's history and folklore, and fresh local bread during the tasting.
Aia Piccola and Casa Pezzolla
Aia Piccola, also spelt Aja Piccola, contains 590 trulli. Its streets meet at a shared farmyard where peasants were compelled to thresh wheat under feudal rule. The Territorial Museum in Aia Piccola recounts the settlement's history within a group of 15 trulli. Known as Museo del Territorio "Casa Pezzolla", the museum consists of interconnected trulli. Its name commemorates Dr. Giacomo Pezzolla, who lived during the latter half of the 18th century. Alberobello's municipality purchased the museum complex in 1986, and restoration returned it to its original condition.
Town history
UNESCO dates the present settlement to the mid-14th century; it grew into a town in the 16th and 17th centuries. In 1797 King Ferdinand IV made Alberobello a royal city, ending the Acquaviva family's feudal rule. The historic house Casa D'Amore dates to that same year. Alberobello has received the Italian Touring Club's Orange Flag award.
Food in Alberobello
Bombette consist of small rolls of pork with a filling of herbs and cheese. Pettole are made by frying balls of risen dough in hot oil. The Pasqualino is a typical Alberobello loaf whose filling combines cheese, salami, capers and tuna.
Frequently asked questions
Are the Alberobello trulli UNESCO listed?
Yes, the trulli have held UNESCO World Heritage status since 1996.
What is a trullo?
It is a traditional Apulian hut made from dry stone, with a cone-shaped roof.
Where is the Trullo Siamese?
It stands in the Rione Monti quarter.
What does the Territorial Museum cover?
The museum in Aia Piccola tells the history of the settlement within 15 trulli.
What is in a Pasqualino?
This typical Alberobello loaf contains tuna, capers, salami and cheese.
