The trulli of Alberobello
The Trulli of Alberobello are an exceptional example of a vernacular building technique that has survived from prehistoric times until today.
Trulli are dry-stone constructions that once were common in the Mediterranean region. The ones in the Monti and Aja Piccola quarters of Alberobello are characterized by their dome or conical-shaped roofs, which in some cases are painted with a pagan symbol to ward off bad luck.
Community Perspective: The Aja Piccola area is less commercialized than the Monti, and therefore generates a more authentic feeling. You can also stay overnight in a trullo, as Clyde did.
Map of The trulli of Alberobello
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Alessio Toniolo
I visited Alberobello in July 2022. The spread of the over thousand trulli in the town is remarkable. It is unique for the uniform collection of a singular design of a building and is interesting to walk around and spend time in. The previous generations who actually lived life in the trulli (before tourism) is all visible through photographs and shows a unique way of life.
Clyde
I visited this WHS in June 2014. I spent 3 splendid days living in a trullo in Aja Piccola, which is the residential quarter where most locals live. It's like stepping back in time with several old cars from the 60s and 70s parked outside the trulli. I visited the commercial quarter, Rione Monti, early in the morning and late in the afternoon/evening when all the tourist groups were gone or hadn't yet arrived. I visited many trulli to see the different interior designs and I must say that the ones in Aja Piccola are definitely not to be missed. The Trullo Sovrano and Casa Lippoli have been converted to museums but both are worth a visit. The Trullo Siamese is more interesting from the outside than the inside and the same applies to the quaint church in Rione Monti. The views overlooking the 1000+ trulli from here are worthwhile but the best views are from the Belvedere near Piazza del Popolo or the public gardens nearby. Unless you spend at least a night in a trullo in Alberobello wandering from one trullo to the next, gazing at the different pinnacles and white painted signs (Christian, Jewish or Pagan) on the trulli, to experience "slow tourism" at its best ... you will miss out and you will end up looking at Alberobello as a tourist trap without realising all this surreal WHS needs to reveal its OUV is TIME!
Odette Portelli Taliana
The first time I went to alberobello was in 1975 & was fascinated by this place! Always wanted to visit it again & finally after 37 years I went together with my husband; we stayed in a trullo, such a lovely experience! Will certainly not wait another 37 years to visit this amazing place!
Alicia
United States of America - 01-May-05 -
The Trulli of Alberobello are absolutely amazing! It was such a beautiful sight after being kept on a bus all day. The narrow streets and the atmosphere created by the locals makes this small town feel like home. If you are ever in Puglia and have a few hours to spare make sure you go to this lovely town.
Graeme
I made Alberobello an afternoon stop in my journey from Bari to Lecce in March 2005 and was well rewarded for doing so. The trulli are truly exceptional, but I also recommend Alberobello as a pleasant town for its Pugliese charm and general ambience (at least on a sunny March Saturday). On your way into or out of the town, don't miss the views from the train or car of the surrounding countryside to see the trulli in their natural setting. One way train ticket from Bari costs 3.60 euros; from Lecce 6.20 euros, as of March 2005.
Els Slots
They are everywhere in Alberobello, the Trulli. The Trulli phenomenon could be considered as one big tourist trap, by which the livelihoods of a whole town are supported. But I found them too picturesque and too much fun for that. The Aja Piccola area is less commercialized than the Monti, and therefore generates a more authentic feeling.
You can spend a few hours roaming around both quarters. Only more time is needed when you want to make a study out of the small differences between all Trulli (don't bother, someone has done that already and came up with 5 categories).
There are some exceptional Trulli in Alberobello. For example the two-storeyed Trullo Sovrano. It's quite spacious inside: it has several rooms downstairs, a garden and a second floor to house guests. Another, with more subtle differences compared to the normal ones, is the Trullo Siamese. Siamese twins are said to have lived here, or maybe it's just two Trulli under one roof.
Klaus Freisinger
Apulia in general is not very touristy, at least compared to other Italian regions such as Tuscany or Campania, but Alberobello is. The place is the highlight of any trip to this region at the heel of the Italian boot, and it's easy to see why: a nice little town, quaint and very unusual houses and lots of souvenir shops. To avoid those, it is only necessary to wander off into the side streets, where you can find exactly the same kind of trulli. The quarter of Aja Piccola is less touristy than the Monti area. The trulli are not confined to this town, but are rather spread out over a large area, and can be seen far out in the countryside. The houses themselves look pretty similar, but you should take note of the different symbols painted on the roofs (mostly Christian, but also some pagan signs).
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Site Info
- Full Name
- The trulli of Alberobello
- Unesco ID
- 787
- Country
- Italy
- Inscribed
- 1996
- Type
- Cultural
- Criteria
-
3 4 5
- Categories
- Urban landscape - Urban continuity
- Link
- By ID
Site History
1996 Revision
Reduced from former TWHS Valley of Itria (1982)
1996 Inscribed
Site Links
Unesco Website
Official Website
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