Holiday in Alberobello

What makes Alberobello special as a destination?

Alberobello is one of the most unusual places in Europe and the capital of the Trulli - those unique, cone-shaped stone houses with white walls and gray dome roofs, which exist in this concentration nowhere else in the world. The UNESCO World Heritage site in the heart of Apulia looks like a scene from a fairy tale: Over 1,500 Trulli crowd the hills of the old town, each one stacked without mortar from limestone slabs - a building technique that dates back to prehistoric times. The two Trulli districts, Rione Monti and Aja Piccola, form the heart of Alberobello. Rione Monti is the larger and more touristy district with over 1,000 Trulli, many of which today house souvenir shops, restaurants, and small museums. The steep, cobbled streets between the white cone roofs offer endless photo opportunities and an atmosphere that oscillates between oriental fairy tale and Italian rural idyll. Many roofs display mysterious symbols - crosses, hearts, astrological signs - whose meanings are still debated today. Aja Piccola is significantly quieter and more authentic - locals still live in their Trulli here, and the streets have retained their original character. The Trullo Sovrano, the only two-story Trullo, can be visited as a museum and provides insight into traditional life in these unique dwellings. The Chiesa di Sant'Antonio, a church in Trullo style with a dome roof, is an architectural curiosity. The history of the Trulli's origin is fascinating: According to legend, farmers built their houses without mortar so that they could be quickly dismantled and disguised as piles of stones during tax inspections. Whether this story is true is disputed, but it adds an extra romantic touch to the Trulli. From Germany, Alberobello can be reached via Bari Airport, which is about 55 kilometers away. A rental car is recommended to explore the surrounding region with its olive groves, vineyards, and Masseria estates. The best time to visit is from April to October, with the summer months being very hot. An overnight stay in a Trullo hotel is an unforgettable experience.