The Trulli of Alberobello, Puglia

Alberobello—the City of Trulli—is located in the Itria Valley, nestled on two hills. The new town, characterized by modern buildings, is situated on the eastern hill, while on the western hill, you can visit the ancient village with its two districts, Monti and Aia Piccola, and their distinctive dwellings, recognized by UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. The Trullo (from the Greek tholos, meaning “dome”) is a distinctive dwelling found in central-southern Apulia, with a conical shape built of dry-stone masonry. The construction and spread of this type of dwelling date back to the second half of the 16th century during the rule of the Count of Conversano, Gian Girolamo II Acquaviva d’Aragona. The Count of Acquaviva wanted a fiefdom independent of the Court of Naples but did not wish to seek authorization from the King. To this end, he granted his tenant farmers permission not only to cultivate the land but also to build their own homes. However, these homes had to be built using dry-stone construction rather than lime mortar, so that they could be quickly demolished in the event of a royal inspection. The largest trullo is the Trullo Sovrano, built in the second half of the 18th century, and the only one with a raised floor. Today, this trullo is a museum open to visitors, while in the summer it serves as a venue for events, performances, and concerts. Even the Church of St. Anthony, built in the 1920s, was constructed in the shape of a trullo. Among the many vacation destinations in Puglia, a visit to the magical town of Alberobello is not to be missed.