Alberobello – Capital of the Trulli
30-minute drive from Villa Gufo
Trullo: small house with a conical roof
Singular: trullo – Plural: trulli
In Alberobello, you’ll find more than a thousand trulli in one place. Since 1996, all of these trulli have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here in Italy, they’ll proudly tell you that the trulli are a purely Italian invention—typical of the Italian sense of pride. However, in reality, this architectural style can be traced back to the Turks. You can see their influence in both the architecture and the symbols on the roofs.
During wartime, the Turks taught the local population how to build houses without mortar or cement. This had a clever purpose: at the time (14th–15th century), taxes were imposed on permanent buildings, even during war. Whenever a tax inspector arrived, the inhabitants could quickly dismantle the pointed roof, instantly reducing the house to a mere pile of stones instead of an official structure. This allowed them to avoid taxation!
The conical roofs are often decorated with symbolic, religious, and sometimes even mysterious markings, believed to protect the inhabitants from evil.
Best Time to Visit
It’s best to visit Alberobello in the morning or early afternoon. In the historic center, many trulli are still inhabited. To minimize noise and crowds for the local residents, shops and restaurants often close by 9 PM.
Alberobello is perfect for a combined visit with Locorotondo or Monopoli.
Souvenirs
As you walk through the town, you’ll notice that almost every trullo has something special to offer. From charming boutiques to artisan shops, you’ll find unique souvenirs and local products everywhere.
Where to park?
IMPORTANT! There are many parking areas around Alberobello, but not all of them are located near the historic trulli village. Alberobello also has a “new” town center, where you won’t find any trulli houses.
- Best place to park!
Paid Parking Alberobello – Via Indipendenza, 70011 Alberobello
Click HERE for directions
No space available? If this parking lot is full, try parking somewhere nearby. On the same street, you’ll find private parking lots on both the left and right sides.
Vibes of Alberobello
