Alberobello: the town of trulli in the Apulian Murgia
Alberobello is the place where trullo architecture forms not only isolated buildings but entire neighbourhoods. These limestone structures, with dry-stone walls and conical roofs, developed from techniques found across the Murgia. The Trulli of Alberobello were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1996.
How a trullo is built
The body of the building uses dry-set limestone, while the cone is covered with thin slabs known as chiancarelle. Trulli began as agricultural shelters, stores and stables before developing into homes. Their inventive use of local materials reflects adaptation to a karst landscape with limited water. The Italian Ministry of Culture's UNESCO property page explains the significance of the building technique.
Rione Monti and Aia Piccola
Rione Monti contains large numbers of trulli along sloping streets and is the busiest commercial area. Aia Piccola remains predominantly residential and calls for particular respect towards its inhabitants. Casa Pezzolla, the Trullo Sovrano and Sant'Antonio church help visitors recognise different uses and forms of local architecture.
Beyond the postcard view
The surrounding countryside shows how trulli related to cisterns, dry-stone walls, fields and farming. Seeing this relationship keeps the centre from becoming merely a scenic backdrop. Alberobello's tourism portal describes how groups of trulli expanded and joined during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Planning a visit
The centre is explored on foot and includes slopes, steps and uneven paving. Begin at an information point, walk through both districts and choose a museum or house open to visitors to understand the interiors. Hours and access differ between public and private properties; Visit Alberobello provides current information about the centre and countryside.