Alberobello, in the heart of the Itria Valley in Puglia, is one of Italy’s most iconic villages, famous for its trulli: ancient conical stone houses that have earned the village recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Alberobello, in the heart of the Itria Valley in Puglia, is one of Italy’s most iconic villages, famous for its trulli: ancient conical stone houses that have earned it recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Alberobello we know today has its roots between the 14th and 15th centuries, when the Counts of Conversano allowed farmers to build houses without mortar, easy to dismantle to avoid paying taxes to the Kingdom of Naples. This clever workaround gave rise to a unique and inimitable landscape that continues to attract visitors from all over the world.
You could decide to visit Alberobello or discover it joining one of our tours:
⇒Beautiful South: Sassi, Trulli and Baroque
⇒Cycling Puglia: Trulli and green fields
⇒La Via Ellenica nella Terra degli Ulivi
What to See in Alberobello
Visiting Alberobello means immersing yourself in a fairytale setting, a sea of white cones stretching as far as the eye can see, a timeless spectacle. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, the village tells a story of rural ingenuity: practicality joined historical necessity when the Counts of Conversano required the construction of dismantlable houses to evade taxes, giving birth to these extraordinary stone structures.
It’s not only a visual attraction: every trullo blends perfectly into the natural landscape of the stunning Itria Valley. Walking through Rione Monti and Rione Aia Piccola, Alberobello’s historic districts, means experiencing a living tradition. Here, many trulli house homes, artisan workshops, and shops selling local products, making the village a vibrant ecosystem of daily life and craftsmanship.
Rione Monti
The ancient Rione Monti is the most characteristic area of the town, home to the largest concentration of trulli along charming uphill alleys. Each street offers a picturesque walk among delightful artisan shops, unique panoramic terraces, and unforgettable photo opportunities.
Did you know that Alberobello inspired a Disney cartoon? Created by two sisters from Lecce, Maria Elena and Fiorella Congedo, Trulli Tales is a successful animated series set among the trulli of Alberobello and translated into 25 languages. Set in the magical land of Trullolandia, it tells the adventures of four young heroes, the “trullalleri,” who learn recipes to protect an ancient magical cookbook. They are guided by Nonna Trulla and Miss Frisella, the village baker, clear nods to the importance of food and family. A wonderful invitation to discover Alberobello and Puglia through their traditions.
Church of Saint Anthony of Padua – A Trullo Turned Church
The Church of Saint Anthony, standing at the top of Rione Monti, is a Greek-cross church built entirely from trulli. Its construction, completed in just 14 months, dates back to 1927, making it relatively recent compared to the older trulli. Visitors’ attention is immediately drawn to the beautiful fresco behind the altar: the Tree of Salvation. Its trunk forms the cross of Jesus, its branches contain circles with the faces of saints, and at its base stand the Virgin Mary and the Apostle John.
Rione Aia Piccola
Less touristy than Rione Monti yet equally authentic and steeped in tradition, Rione Aia Piccola is the other historic district of Alberobello. Here, unlike other parts of town, many trulli are still inhabited. Wandering through its narrow, labyrinthine streets allows visitors to experience the most genuine soul of the village.
Trullo Sovrano
The Trullo Sovrano is the only two-story trullo in existence. Today it serves as a museum preserving a glimpse of daily life from past centuries. Period furnishings and carefully reconstructed rooms make the visit both evocative and educational.
Casa Pezzolla and the Museum of the Territory
A complex of 15 interconnected trulli houses the museum dedicated to rural culture and the traditions of the Itria Valley, an immersion in Puglia’s farming heritage.
Church of Saints Cosma and Damiano
This imposing neoclassical building dominates Piazza del Popolo. It is a beloved place of worship, especially during the patronal feast. Inside are two wooden statues and a reliquary containing fragments of the saints’ bones.
What to do in Alberobello - the Slow Active Tours proposal
Visiting Alberobello isn’t only about admiring its incredible architecture, it’s also about experiencing the authentic activities the town has to offer. As the beating heart of the Itria Valley, Alberobello offers year-round experiences that combine culture, nature, flavors, and traditions.
Food lovers will find a gastronomic paradise; history and architecture enthusiasts can explore the roots of a unique rural civilization; and those seeking relaxation will find peace in the surrounding countryside. From guided tours of the historic center to bike rides among trulli, vineyards, and masserie (farmhouses), every activity offers genuine emotions and lasting memories.
Strolling through the historic center, visitors can explore small shops inside trulli, where local producers offer guided tastings of fresh and aged cheeses, fruity extra virgin olive oil, handmade taralli, and local wines such as Locorotondo DOC. Each tasting is an opportunity to discover the farming traditions and artisanal techniques that make Apulian cuisine unique.
The legend of the Siamesi Trulli
Among the many stories hidden in Alberobello’s winding streets, that of the Siamese Trulli holds a special place. Legend tells of two brothers who lived in the same trullo and were both in love with the same woman. She was promised to the elder brother but fell deeply in love with the younger. The situation became unbearable, and the elder brother expelled the two lovers. In a symbolic act of wisdom and justice, the trullo was split into two separate parts, each brother keeping his own half. Today, the Siamese Trullo remains shrouded in mystery and symbolism, continuing to fascinate visitors from around the world.
Belvedere Santa Lucia, from which you can enjoy the best view of the neighborhood
The Santa Lucia Belvedere is the best panoramic viewpoint over Rione Monti and its spectacular trulli. A decorated staircase leads up to the terrace, which is especially magical at night when the trulli are beautifully illuminated.
The Apotropaic Masks of Alberobello
Belief in household deities and protective spirits has ancient roots, dating back to Roman times. According to Roman tradition, many of these spiritual entities resided right at the threshold of the home. For this reason, key family rituals such as births, weddings, deaths, and seasonal transitions were symbolically held at the entrance.
Observing these masks is fascinating not only for what they reveal about the mindset and culture of Alberobello’s past community but also for their artistic value. Although the names of the stone carvers are unknown, it’s clear that local artisans reached an exceptional level of craftsmanship during that period. One only needs to look at the neoclassical decorations or the sculptural works in the town’s monumental cemetery to appreciate their artistry, which went far beyond the traditional dry-stone construction of simple trulli.
Alberobello is the starting point for many of our trips. Choose the one that suits you best. Want to shorten some stages? Contact us for a tailor-made tour.
Festivals and Local Events
Partecipare alle sagre e feste popolari di Alberobello significa vivere l’anima più autentica del borgo, dove la fede si intreccia con la convivialità e la musica tradizionale. Le celebrazioni scandiscono le stagioni e coinvolgono l'intera comunità, trasformando le strade in palcoscenici di luci, colori e sapori.
La Festa dei Santi Medici è la celebrazione religiosa più sentita dagli abitanti ed è un momento molto suggestivo per visitare Alberobello. La festa patronale di Alberobello si svolge a settembre, per l’occasione le strade si riempiono di luminarie spettacolari, bancarelle artigiane, concerti e spettacoli pirotecnici. Il momento più suggestivo è la solenne processione accompagnata da fedeli provenienti da tutta la Puglia.
Il Festival Folkloristico “Città dei Trulli” è una rassegna culturale che valorizza il patrimonio immateriale di Alberobello. Per i primi giorni di Agosto, i trulli diventano scenografie viventi per spettacoli teatrali, concerti di musica popolare e performance artistiche. Le proiezioni luminose sulle facciate creano un’atmosfera magica, perfetta per chi vuole scoprire la bellezza del borgo sotto una nuova luce.
Pasqualino Gourmet è il festival dedicato al panino diventato simbolo della capitale dei trulli.
Dal 7 al 14 agosto si è svolta la sua settima edizione. In questa settimana, Alberobello si trasforma in un vivace villaggio del gusto con stand gastronomici. Qui i visitatori potranno assaporare il Pasqualino in diverse varianti creative realizzate con eccellenze del territorio.
Taking part in Alberobello’s festivals and fairs means experiencing the most authentic spirit of the town, where faith, conviviality, and folk music come together. These celebrations mark the seasons and bring the whole community to life, transforming the streets into stages of light, color, and flavor.
The Feast of Saints Cosma and Damiano is the most heartfelt religious celebration, held in September. For the occasion, the streets light up with spectacular decorations, craft stalls, concerts, and fireworks. The highlight is the solemn procession, accompanied by devotees from all over Puglia.
The “City of Trulli” Folklore Festival is a cultural event celebrating Alberobello’s intangible heritage. In early August, trulli become living backdrops for theater, folk music, and art performances. Light projections on the conical roofs create a magical atmosphere.
Pasqualino Gourmet is the festival dedicated to the sandwich that has become a symbol of the trulli capital. During the week of August 7–14, Alberobello turns into a lively village of flavors, with food stands offering creative versions of the Pasqualino, made with local specialties.
Typical Dishes of Alberobello
La cucina di Alberobello rispecchia fedelmente la tradizione contadina e pastorale della Valle d’Itria. I piatti più rappresentativi nascono da ingredienti semplici, lavorati con sapienza e amore per la terra. Ogni piatto racconta una storia di famiglia, stagioni, rituali contadini e creatività popolare: una tavola che invita a rallentare ed assaporare.
Un primo piatto che deriva dalla tradizione contadina sono sicuramente le orecchiette con il purè di fave. Adatto per chi cerca i sapori decisi, abbina perfettamente due ingredienti simbolo della tradizione pugliese.
Per chi ama lo street food, il Pasqualino può essere considerato il panino tipico di Alberobello: diffuso come merenda tra gli studenti negli anni ’60, è farcito con tonno, salame, capperi, formaggio e sottaceti. Oggi è una vera istituzione del cibo di strada.
I più golosi rimarranno affascinati dalle Cartellate: il dolce tradizionale natalizio, formato da nastri di pasta arrotolati a rosa, fritti e immersi nel vincotto o nel miele. Se ti piacerebbe visitare Alberobello durante il periodo natalizio non puoi pensare di farne a meno.
The cuisine of Alberobello faithfully reflects the rural and pastoral traditions of the Itria Valley. Its most iconic dishes are made from simple ingredients, prepared with love and respect for the land. Each dish tells a story of family, seasons, and country life, a table that invites you to slow down and savor.
A quintessential local first course is orecchiette with fava bean purée, a hearty dish combining two staples of Apulian cuisine.
For street food lovers, the Pasqualino sandwich is a must: popular among students in the 1960s, it’s filled with tuna, salami, capers, cheese, and pickles. Today, it represents an authentic local institution.
And for those with a sweet tooth, cartellate are unmissable: traditional Christmas pastries made of thin ribbons of dough shaped into roses, fried, and dipped in vincotto (cooked wine) or honey. If you visit Alberobello during the Christmas season, you simply can’t leave without tasting them.
Alberobello Between History and Legend
Behind Alberobello’s fairy-tale appearance lie ancient and mysterious legends rooted in history and Mediterranean symbolism.
According to a local legend, trulli were not created solely for practical reasons. Their conical shape is said to have a symbolic meaning linked to the sun and ancient pagan cults. The cones were often decorated with mystical symbols, protective magic, or religious signs intended to shield the house from evil spirits and promote the fertility of the land. Some popular stories claim that on full moon nights, whispers could be heard among the trulli rooftops, as if they were guarding ancestral secrets.
A Distant Connection: Harran, Turkey
Not everyone knows that the conical shape of the trulli has a distant “cousin”: the conical houses of Harran, an ancient Mesopotamian city. Thousands of years ago, similar homes were built here using mud and clay, with conical roofs designed to withstand extreme heat and keep the interiors cool.
Many historians believe this resemblance is not a coincidence: the conical roof is an ancient architectural solution, probably widespread throughout the Mediterranean and the Middle East. In this sense, the trulli of Alberobello can be seen as a modern version of an architectural idea that spans millennia and cultures.
Beyond functionality, conical roofs carry a universal symbolic meaning: they connect the earth to the sky, protecting and safeguarding those who live within. This dual function—practical and spiritual—has inspired stories over the centuries, making Alberobello a place of irresistible charm. Walking through its narrow streets, one cannot help but feel a sense of mystery: each trullo seems to guard ancient legends, perhaps whispered by distant peoples, like those of Harran.
The Trulli of Alberobello: Authentic Hospitality in the Heart of Puglia
Oggi i trulli non sono solo testimonianze architettoniche, ma anche una delle esperienze di soggiorno più affascinanti che si possano vivere in Italia. Dal punto di vista alberghiero, rappresentano una forma di ospitalità diffusa: non fanno parte di un unico complesso, ma sono unità indipendenti, ciascuna dotata di cucina, bagno e tutti i comfort per un soggiorno autonomo. Ogni trullo è diverso dall’altro, con la propria storia, struttura e personalità, ben lontano dall’idea della classica camera d’albergo!
Soggiornare in un trullo significa immergersi nel fascino senza tempo del centro storico di Alberobello, camminare tra vicoli di pietra, respirare l’atmosfera autentica di un borgo che sembra uscito da una fiaba.
Dal punto di vista architettonico, un trullo è riconosciuto come tale solo se rispetta le caratteristiche costruttive tradizionali: deve essere realizzato in pietra a secco, senza uso di malta o cemento, e conservare la sua forma originaria, senza elementi moderni che ne alterino l’autenticità (come intonaci, tetti in tegole o cemento a vista). Inoltre, deve essere inserito nel contesto rurale tipico della Valle d’Itria e della Murgia dei Trulli, circondato da muretti a secco, ulivi secolari e campi coltivati che completano l’armonia del paesaggio.
Today, trulli are not only architectural landmarks but also one of the most enchanting lodging experiences in Italy. In terms of hospitality, they represent a unique type of accommodation: they are not part of a single complex, but independent units, each equipped with a kitchen, bathroom, and all the comforts for a self-contained stay. Every trullo is different from the others, with its own story, structure, and personality, far removed from the idea of a standard hotel room!
Staying in a trullo means immersing yourself in the timeless charm of Alberobello’s historic center, strolling along stone-paved streets, and breathing in the authentic atmosphere of a village that seems straight out of a fairy tale.
From an architectural perspective, a building is recognized as a trullo only if it respects traditional construction characteristics: it must be built with dry stone, without mortar or cement, and preserve its original form, without modern elements that alter its authenticity (such as plaster, tile, or exposed concrete roofs). Additionally, it must be set within the typical rural context of the Itria Valley and the Murgia dei Trulli, surrounded by dry stone walls, centuries-old olive trees, and cultivated fields that complete the harmony of the landscape.
Eating and Drinking in Alberobello
Alberobello is a unique destination where history, culture, and gastronomy intertwine to offer unforgettable experiences. From centuries-old trulli to traditional tastings, from local legends to popular festivals, every visit is a journey between fairy tale and reality, in the heart of the Itria Valley.
Ristorante Casa Nova in Via Monte San Marco 13. Within the ancient walls of an 18th-century underground oil mill, you will find traditional dishes with a touch of innovation, accompanied by an extensive wine list.
"La Lira" focacceria in Largo Martellotta 67. An alternative to the restaurant: focacce, taralli, pucce, and other local specialties to enjoy while sitting in the town center.
Braceria La Fontana 1914 in Largo Martellotta 55. You choose the cut of meat you want and your preferred level of doneness in this small, unpretentious restaurant.
Gelateria Arte Fredda / Ice-cream shop in Largo Martellotta 47. Seasonal ice cream flavors and products for celiacs and diabetics.
