The Trulli of Alberobello

Alberobello, Italy

The trulli, typical limestone dwellings of Alberobello in the southern Italian region of Puglia, are remarkable examples of corbelled dry-stone construction, a prehistoric building technique still in use in this region. These structures, dating from as early as the mid-14th century, characteristically feature pyramidal, domed, or conical roofs built up of corbelled limestone slabs. Although rural trulli can be found all along the Itria Valley, their highest concentration and best preserved examples of this architectural form are in the town of Alberobello, where there are over 1500 structures in the quarters of Rione Monti and Aja Piccola.

The property comprises six land parcels extending over an area of 11 hectares. The land parcels comprise two districts of the city (quarters or Rione Monti with 1,030 trulli; Rione Aia Piccola with 590 trulli) and four specific locations. 

Trulli (singular, trullo) are traditional dry stone huts with a corbelled roof. Their style of construction is specific to the Itria Valley in the region of Puglia. Trulli were generally constructed as temporary field shelters and storehouses or as permanent dwellings by small-scale landowners or agricultural labourers.

The trulli of Alberobello represent a dry-stone building tradition, several thousand years old, found across the Mediterranean region. Scattered rural settlements were present in the area of present day Alberobello around one thousand years ago (1,000 AD). The settlements gradually grew to form the villages of present-day Aia Piccola and Monti. In the mid-14th century the Alberobello area was granted to the first Count of Conversano by Robert d’Anjou, Prince of Taranto, in recognition of service during the Crusades. By the mid-16th century the Monti district was occupied by some forty trulli, but it was in 1620 that the settlement began to expand, when the Count of the period, Gian Girolamo Guercio, ordered the construction of a bakery, mill, and inn. By the end of the 18th century the community numbered over 3500 people. In 1797, feudal rule came to an end, the name of Alberobello was adopted, and Ferdinand IV, Bourbon King of Naples, awarded to Alberobello the status of royal town. After this time the construction of new trulli declined.

The trulli of Alberobello have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996.

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Founded: 15th century
Category: Historic city squares, old towns and villages in Italy

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Tom Hazeldine (3 years ago)
I loved staying in the quirky little trulli. It was very quaint if a little cramped in the bedroom. The bathroom was well equipped and breakfast was varied and plentiful. Just a shame even in October it was very warm inside so much so I struggled to sleep. So fun for a night but I'm glad we moved on afterwards. Having said all that each trulli is different so there is a bit of pot luck in which one you get.
Giuseppe Cavuoto (3 years ago)
The only place serving food in the afternoon in Alberobello. A warm welcome from the main waiter, Mimmo whom served us food and wine rich in taste while giving us plenty of information about the dishes, ingredients and products. He can be very entertaining. The same Mimmo went the extra mile to provide me a phone charger, great customer service. However the food was nothing special from a Pugliese point of view. As per most restaurants in Alberobello the food Is intended mostly for tourists. At the end of lunch we asked Mimmo to call us a taxi. He proposed a service for a price of 60 euros. Later I called the same driver who told me that the price would be 35 euros and that evidently the waiter was trying to get a cut of my transfer rate. Mimmo, sarebbe stata a 5 stelle, ma sì parlat assé.
Melissa LaReau (3 years ago)
Trulli in the center of the city, with parking nearby for €7/night. The owner, Mimmo, was very nice and helpful. The drain didn’t work in our shower and when we told him he apologized and immediately called the plumber. Communication with the staff was also great before our arrival. There was a large spread for breakfast including homemade cakes.
Kate Spunky (4 years ago)
This is such a nice and cozy place! I had the most incredible stracciatella cheese in my life there. The wine is so good there, the food (mostly appetizers) is also made in heaven. I also recommend to buy some olive oil there, I’ve never tasted anything like this before
Apple Apple (4 years ago)
Very beautiful town, I want to go again
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