This fairytale town in the heart of the Valle d’Itria is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996 and home to over 1,500 trulli – the famous whitewashed stone huts with their signature conical roofs.
A trullo (plural trulli) is a traditional dry‑stone dwelling made without mortar, built using thick walls of limestone and topped with a cone-shaped roof made of stacked stone slabs (called chiancarelle), often decorated with symbolic or mystical markings and crowned with a decorative pinnacle. One trullo might be a single circular room, but many homes are clusters of several interconnected trulli sharing walls and space.
Within Alberobello you’ll find two historic trulli quarters: Rione Monti, the larger district with roughly 1,000 cone roofs and packed with souvenir shops, and Aia Piccola, quieter, mostly residential, with around 400 trulli and a more authentic atmosphere.
Why we see Alberobello as a must-visit?
- It’s the unmistakable symbol of Apulian architecture, an exceptional example of vernacular engineering and settlement worthy of its UNESCO status.
- Yes, it’s very touristy – especially during the day. But here’s a tip: go early in the morning, when the streets are still quiet and the light soft.
- Often a street musician sets up on one of the main square, adding to the charm and atmosphere before the crowds arrive.
Vista Panoramica dei Trulli
Don’t miss: Vista Panoramica dei Trulli as shown in the picture below. It is a panoramic viewpoint where you can frame hundreds of trulli in one shot and even step into the foreground of your own photo. It’s the perfect vantage point to capture the scale and magic of the town.
Trulli along the way – and one hidden at La Villa Magnifica
The drive from Cisternino and Locorotondo to Alberobello is stunning. Along the way, you’ll spot trulli scattered through the countryside – proof that these iconic buildings aren’t just found in Alberobello.
In fact, right on the grounds of La Villa Magnifica, you’ll find a small, rustic trullo of your own – a charming reminder of the region’s rich architectural heritage.
