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Alberobello

Alberobello: known as the Capital of Trulli, this whitewashed town is filled with bright white buildings and charming side streets.alberobello

You will find Alberobello in Puglia, the heel of Italy’s boot. In the region people sometimes call it the ‘Capital of Trulli’. Trulli are traditional Apulian buildings, featuring white-washed walls and conical roofs. They originally arose in order to avoid some form of tax, and can date back to the 14th Century. These strange and beautiful structures comprise part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The name Alberobello comes from the forest that covered the area before the town was built. It means “beautiful trees”. Much of the beauty you can see here today originated in practical measures. For example, the people would whitewash the houses in order to prevent the spread of disease. Similarly, the shape of the trulli is such that you can easily de-construct them. Note that some of the roofs exhibit white symbols. These are often religious or superstitious, and speak to the history and tradition of this town.

For a great view over the town and its trulli, head up to the Piazza del Popolo, just above the Lago Martellotta. Within the town itself you will find a maze of pedestrianized side streets. These weave in and out of the bizarre yet beautiful white structures. Heading to the Rione Monti area, you will find a plethora of souvenir shops and tiny bars within the trulli. You can also visit museum-like arrangements, where you can enter a trulli for a small fee to see the interiors. Behind this tourist trap, on the Via Monte Michele, you can also find a 12th-century trullo church.

These white houses and buildings are probably Alberobello’s biggest attraction. The town has a few museums, however simply wandering around and taking in this unique cityscape is a great way to spend a day trip. Within the town center you will also find little boutiques, cafés, and trattorie, where you can grab a bite to eat or drink.

Bari and Brindisi airports both have train connections to Alberobello. Alternatively, you can visit this town from one of Puglia’s other localities. Interesting places to visit from Alberobello include Martina Franca, Locorotondo, and Ostuni.

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