Via Monte S. Gabriele, 70011 Alberobello, Italy (June 2019)

Alberobello

Alberobello, a small town located in the Puglia region of southeastern Italy, is a place that seems to have stepped out of a fairy tale. Renowned for its unique and picturesque trulli, Alberobello offers a blend of history, culture, and architectural wonder that captivates visitors from around the world. With its distinctive whitewashed stone huts topped with conical roofs, the town’s trulli have earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list and established it as one of Italy’s most intriguing travel destinations. The town of Alberobello is nestled in the Itria Valley, an area known for its rolling hills, olive groves, and vineyards. This region of Puglia has a rich agricultural tradition, and the landscape around Alberobello is dotted with these iconic trulli, making it a unique sight even from a distance. The origin of the trulli dates to prehistoric times, but it was during the 16th century that the construction of these dwellings became widespread in this region. The trulli of Alberobello are not just architectural curiosities; they are deeply intertwined with the region’s history and culture. Built from local limestone, these structures were originally designed to be easily dismantled. According to popular belief, this was a clever strategy to avoid taxes imposed by the Kingdom of Naples on permanent dwellings. By creating homes that could be quickly taken apart and reassembled, the people of Alberobello could evade these taxes. Today, many of these trulli have been restored and repurposed, serving as homes, shops, restaurants, and even accommodations for tourists, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the unique atmosphere of the town.

Walking through the narrow, winding streets of Alberobello, visitors are transported to a different era. The two main districts, Rione Monti and Aia Piccola, are where the majority of the trulli are located. Rione Monti, the more tourist-oriented district, is home to around a thousand trulli, many of which house souvenir shops, cafes, and small museums. Despite its popularity with visitors, the area retains an authentic charm, with the trulli’s white walls gleaming under the southern Italian sun. Aia Piccola, on the other hand, offers a quieter, more residential experience, with fewer tourists and more opportunities to see how locals live in these historic structures. Alberobello is also a town of traditions. Throughout the year, it hosts numerous festivals and events that celebrate its heritage and culture. The Festa dei Santi Medici in September is particularly noteworthy, drawing thousands of visitors for religious processions, music, and food. The town’s culinary scene is another highlight, with Puglian cuisine being celebrated for its simplicity and use of fresh, local ingredients. Dishes like orecchiette pasta, burrata cheese, and various seafood specialties are must-tries when visiting the region.

Beyond its trulli and traditions, Alberobello serves as an excellent base for exploring the wider Puglia region. The town’s central location makes it easy to visit nearby attractions such as the baroque city of Lecce, the whitewashed town of Ostuni, and the stunning beaches of the Adriatic coast. Alberobello is more than just a town with unusual buildings; it is a place where history, culture, and architecture come together to create an enchanting destination. Whether you’re wandering through its ancient streets, enjoying local delicacies, or simply taking in the views of the surrounding countryside, Alberobello offers an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of southern Italy’s charm.

Worth a Visit

Photo Gallery of Walk 1 in Alberobello – Via Monte S. Gabriele to Via Monte S. Michele
Approximately 0.88 km –  0.55 miles

The Walk starts in – Via Monte S. Gabriele – Via Duca D’Aosta – Via Monte S. Michele – Piazza Gabriele D’Annunzio – Via Monte Pertica – Piazza Canonico Don Antonio – Parrocchia di Sant’Antonio di Padova, Piazza Canonico Don Antonio – Via Cadore – Villa Don Giacomo Donnaloja parroco guanelliano – Via Monte Pertica – Piazza Gabriele D’Annunzio – Via Monte S. Michele

Photo Gallery of Walk 2 in Alberobello – Largo Martellotta to Via del Gesù
Approximately 0.58 km – 0.36 miles

The walk starts  in – Largo Martellotta – Via Brigata Regina – Piazza del Popolo – Piazza Giangirolamo – Chiesa Rettoria Succursale Oratorio del SS.Sacramento e S.Lucia compatrona – Fontana di Santa Lucia (A.D.1996), Piazza Giangirolamo – Belvedere-Balconata-Terazza-Balcone di Santa Lucia, Via Contessa – Corso Vittorio Emanuele – Corso Trieste e Trento – Via Cesare Battisti – Piazza Antonio Curri – Chiesa Matrice Basilica minore Pontificia Santuario Parrocchia SS.Medici Cosma e Damiano, Piazza Antonio Curri – Piazza XI Febbraio – Via del Gesù – Piazza Sacramento – Via del Gesù