When one thinks of Italy, the first places that come to mind are likely Rome, Venice, Florence, Milan, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. For foodies, it might be all about pizza.
But Italy has more than just the sophistication of its big cities; it also has the unique beauty of its small towns! With blue skies, white clouds, conical-roofed houses with gray tiles, and white walls, it’s like stepping into a fairy tale world.
This is the town of Alberobello. 
Alberobello is a small town in the Puglia region of southern Italy, famous for its unique cone-shaped roofed houses, known as “Trulli.” It’s called the “Heavenly Town” or “Mushroom Village,” where over a thousand single, dome-shaped houses are scattered charmingly across the hillside.
These houses, known as Trulli, are made from white limestone blocks with circular stone decorations on the roofs. The domes are adorned with various symbols and patterns, including Catholic and Islamic symbols, hearts, sun and moon shapes, and traditional but enigmatic patterns that no one can interpret.
When constructing these homes, local residents used limestone collected from nearby fields and reservoirs, stacking them in layers to form the circular shape. The buildings have no beams or columns, and the exterior walls are painted white, giving them a textured appearance.
Town History
In the 15th century, Alberobello was plagued by poverty and political turmoil. To avoid paying high taxes, locals designed these dome-shaped buildings. Their unique structure allowed for quick disassembly, transforming them into unrecognizable ruins when tax inspectors arrived. Once the officials left, the residents could quickly reassemble their homes.
Thus, these dome-shaped buildings became a unique solution, fulfilling the housing needs of the locals while protecting their property when necessary.
Over time, this distinctive architectural style became the symbol of Alberobello. In 1996, it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, attracting numerous visitors to admire and explore this unique architectural style.
Town Attractions
The town isn’t large, and you can explore it in a couple of hours. Strolling along the winding cobblestone paths, you feel as if you’ve stepped back into the slower-paced life of ancient times. The white churches, trendy shops, and stylish restaurants are all worth savoring, experiencing a lazy and romantic charm. Many houses have pots of varying sizes at their entrances, filling the streets with a fragrant aroma, adding to the romantic atmosphere…
There are also numerous souvenir shops, most selling similar items… but some special shops offer unique goods like olive wood carvings on cutting boards and bowls, as well as woven placemats and tablecloths made in the surrounding areas.
Basilica minore dei Santi Medici
The Basilica of the Holy Doctors is quite distinctive with its architecture, which stands out from the rest of the town, making it easily noticeable.
Located in the northern part of the town center, the church was originally built in 1609 and later expanded in the Renaissance style.
Chiesa di Sant’Antonio Unlike the Basilica of the Holy Doctors, the Church of Saint Anthony, built between 1926 and 1927, closely resembles the majority of the Trulli houses in the town. Its dome stands at 21 meters high and is topped with a Greek cross.
This is the only Trulli-style church in Alberobello.
Trullo Sovrano
The Trullo Sovrano is one of the few two-story Trulli structures in the town, originally built by a wealthy priest family named Cataldo Perta. Over the years, it has served multiple purposes, including as a residence, church, and religious venue.
It’s the only Trulli with an upper floor and a stone staircase, with the main dome reaching about 14 meters at its highest point.
The site also showcases items and scenes from daily life in the 18th century.
Trulli Viewpoint
The viewpoint is the best place to overlook the entire town, especially when the setting sun bathes the rooftops in a soft glow, creating an enchanting and picturesque scene.
Trullo Siamese
Most Trulli in the town are single units, but one is particularly unique. The Trullo Siamese is the only Trulli with two connected domes and two entrances, hence its name.
The Smallest Trullo
The smallest Trulli in the town now serves as a souvenir shop and is one of the busiest attractions.
Cuisine of the Town
Alberobello boasts several restaurants, some of which are housed in converted cone-roofed buildings, offering traditional Puglian cuisine and local wines. Puglian food is characterized by fresh seafood and local produce.
Orecchiette con le cime di rapa
A classic Puglian pasta dish made with small ear-shaped pasta and oil-cooked turnip tops.
Burrata
A soft cheese with a thin, crispy exterior and a creamy, soft interior made from cheese and cream, very delicious.
Focaccia barese
A thin flatbread usually topped with olive oil, tomatoes, and cheese, a very popular Puglian snack.
Polpo alla pignata
Octopus cooked in a clay pot with tomatoes, onions, and herbs, very flavorful.
Taralli
A snack similar to small, round biscuits, typically made from flour, olive oil, and wine, with a crispy texture.
Accommodation in the Town
Accommodation in the town often consists of Trulli houses, offering a unique experience. Several domes are connected to form a house with a private courtyard, allowing you to feel the most authentic local customs.
Many of the small houses have been converted into accommodations for tourists. It’s recommended to choose a place away from the main tourist areas for a quieter and more comfortable stay.
