Trulli in Alberobello, Italy

When our tour bus was still miles away from Alberobello, we noticed a marked change in the architecture of the houses on both sides of the road. These houses are characterized by their distinctive round shapes and conical roofs, which are often adorned with mysterious symbols painted in white. These houses we discovered later on are called trulli (Singular - trullo). The roofs are constructed in layers of flat stones called chianche, which form the cone shape. The conical roofs often have a stone pinnacle on top, which can vary in shape and may have symbolic meaning.

According to local legend, two brothers once inherited land in Alberobello. The brothers, however, had very different views on how to use this inheritance. The older brother, rich and shrewd, owned much of the property and built himself a beautiful, large trullo. Meanwhile, the younger brother, who was poor, struggled to build his own home. Out of jealousy, the older brother was rumored to sabotage the younger one’s construction by removing stones and destabilizing the structure whenever he saw progress, which forced the younger brother to start over multiple times. But, as the story goes, neighbors and friends eventually noticed and began to secretly help the younger brother each time his trullo was damaged. Despite the sabotage, the younger brother’s trullo finally stood firm, built from stones that had been carefully and collaboratively placed.

Trulli are believed to date back to the 14th century, though some may be older. The precise reason for their construction is not fully known, but it is thought that local agricultural communities developed them as practical and temporary dwellings. Old trulli were made using a dry stone construction technique, which means no mortar was used to bind the stones together. This method allowed the structures to be dismantled easily and, in some cases, was a way to avoid taxes levied on permanent homes.

From the structural aspect, trulli are built with thick limestone walls, which help regulate temperatures in the hot Puglian climate, keeping interiors cool in summer and warm in winter. 

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At the end of an ascending alleyway, we stopped in front of a row of six units of trulli each with painted symbols on the conical roof. Later on, we entered into one unit used as souvenir shop called La Bottega Dei Fischiettie. This outlet sells hand-woven linens and hand-made terracotta whistles.

Hand-made terracotta whistles sold in the outlet. To be exact, numbering 9,000!

After our purchase of the linen towels, the friendly proprietor lady, Maria offered to take us to the roof to see the trullo conical roof at close range.

Interior ceiling of the conical-shaped roof.

Well in the trullo. Rainwater is channeled into the well.

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Alberobello has one of the highest concentrations of trulli in Italy, and its trulli district was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. The most well-preserved and picturesque trulli can be found in the Monti and Aia Piccola neighborhoods of the town. These trulli, despite their medieval origins, continue to be used as homes, shops, restaurants, and even guest accommodations. 

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We had lunch at Casa Nova Ristorante. The restaurant once a 17th century olive mill located slightly underground with stone-vault ceiling and stone flooring. This restaurant is renowned for Mediterranean and Apulian cuisine.

Our Main Course: Baked Lamb and Fish.

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Souvenirs sold have a distinctive motifs and design of the trullo. 

The trulli of Alberobello stand as a testament to the region’s historical resilience, resourcefulness, and distinctive architectural style. We, like many other visitors were pleased to have the opportunity to experience this unique blend of history and charm.