Alberobello in Italy

Italy is a very popular vacation destination, yet there are always places that are less known to us. Have you ever heard of Alberobello, the town with white conical roofs? Here you will learn about the so-called Trulli and why a trip to Alberobello is definitely worth it.

Trulli (singular: Trullo) are small, mostly white round houses with conical stone roofs - resembling a pointed hat. Often, Christian symbols are found on the stone roofs, and at the tip of the roof, there is usually a symbolic closure stone, the Zippus or a ball.

The location of Alberobello was uninhabited until the 14th century, when it was allocated by the King of Naples to Prince Anjou for his merits during the Crusades. This is how the town slowly began to be inhabited. The oldest Trulli are an impressive 300 years old and their shape is reminiscent of the Greek round cult building Tholos, typical cupola structures used for the burial of the deceased. In the Mediterranean, there are indeed many similar and even older buildings of this kind, such as the Nuraghe on Sardinia, in Sicily, and the Spanish Balearic Islands.

An old legend claims that the Trulli were constructed by a man named Giangirolamo II. Acquaviva d'Aragona, who arranged for the Trulli to be built in this special way. So that these houses were not considered proper homes and therefore the residents did not have to pay taxes, they were built with loosely stacked stone slabs, allowing for easy dismantling when tax collectors came to town.

By the early 18th century, there were 3,500 residents in Alberobello. The population quickly increased, and when a Trullo became too small for a family, one or two or three more Trulli were built next to it - thus more houses with pointed roofs appeared.

Today, many of the Trulli streets boast various restaurants and souvenir shops. However, some people still live in certain Trulli, mostly older residents, as many young people prefer to live in regular houses. This is also the case for my reader Stefania, who shared some incredibly interesting things about her hometown Alberobello with me.

Vacation Guru Tip: Not far from Alberobello, you will find the beautiful town of Polignano a Mare, which features a very nice beach. A day trip here is definitely worth it.

In the areas of Monti and Aja Piccola, there are particularly many Trulli. Monti is a municipality made up of a breathtaking 1,030 Trulli. Here one can visit the Trulli marked by a double facade and a low hearth and usually lacking windows. Piccola is a small village built on narrow winding roads and is densely populated. Along the main street, there are, among other things, a castle and a church. For those interested in churches, Italy is certainly the right place, but each church also has its unique charm, such as the San Antonio Church in Alberobello, which is built in the shape of a Trullo and exudes a unique and beautiful atmosphere. Another very beautiful church is the Basilica dei Santi Medici, which is also the main church of Alberobello.

Anyone interested in the very first house built in lime in Alberobello should check out the Casa d'Amore, as it was built in 1797 and today serves as the tourism office of Alberobello. The tallest two-story building in the town is the Trullo Savrano, which also houses a small museum. As one usually sees only low-built houses in Alberobello, this Trullo really stands out and is an interesting sight.

When we think of Italy, we mainly think of the incredibly delicious food. And without a doubt, you can also treat your taste buds in Alberobello, thanks to excellent restaurants offering many delicacies at low prices. The Il Pinacolo is particularly noteworthy as it is located within a Trullo and offers a charming and cozy atmosphere alongside good food.

Also noteworthy is the wonderfully located restaurant Grotta Palazzese in the aforementioned town of Polignano a Mare. The unique aspect of this restaurant is that it is built on a hill into the cliffs above the sea, providing a stunning view. However, be aware that the restaurant has not been very well-rated for many years due to its inadequate value for money. A photo opportunity is definitely worth the detour.

If you prefer to eat in a 'normal' house, you should try La Nicchia. Here, you should definitely sample the famous specialty from Alberobello, an appetizer called Orechiette con cime di Rapa. Excellent food in a nice, somewhat upscale atmosphere with first-class staff is offered at the restaurant Il Poeta Contadino, which is completely covered in greenery on the outside. The restaurant even has a Michelin star, which is only awarded when the food is truly exceptional.

For those not fond of large tourist crowds, visiting Alberobello in the spring or fall is recommended, as it is extremely crowded in the summer. To ensure your vacation is perfect, accommodations are also important.

All of Italy is filled with sights, and places like Alberobello make this country so special. Why not take a detour to the town of conical roofs this summer, or plan a vacation in Sicily and discover many more dreamlike regions.

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