Step inside traditional limestone houses, sample locally produced wines and visit an ancient basilica in this picturesque town in southern Italy.
The view across Alberobello's skyline has changed little over the centuries. Rows of neat cone-roofed cottages stand side by side, a collection of more than 1,000 stone dwellings known as trulli that have made the town a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore trulli neighborhoods, visit trulli bars and shops and learn about the town's history and heritage in its museums.
A trullo is a whitewashed stone building with a characteristic conical roof and although they are dotted all over the town, there are two principal trulli districts. The biggest concentration of these traditional dwellings is in Rione Monti, a hillside neighborhood. Wander along its narrow streets and browse shops for locally made ceramics and colorful terracotta whistles that are a Puglia tradition. Sample wines and liqueurs in the many tiny bars. Stop by the Church of Saint Anthony, a trullo church built in the first half of the 20th century.
Go to the north of the town for Alberobello's largest trullo, called Trullo Sovrano. It was built in the 18th century and features 12 cones, including a 46-feet (14-meter) high main dome. A short walk away is the Basilica of Saints Cosmas and Damian. Inside, the walls are decorated with many frescoes and large paintings.
For insights into trullo architecture and the history and culture of Alberobello, explore the Casa Pezzolla Territory Museum. The building is a combination of several trulli and inside are displays of agricultural equipment and common household objects from 19th-century rural homes. Another museum highlight is the Museum of Olive Oil. The area's limestone soil is good for the growth of olive trees.
Alberobello is in the Puglia region of southern Italy, approximately 40 miles (65 kilometers) from Bari and 50 miles (80 kilometers) from Brindisi, both of which have international airports. The town is within easy reach of other popular Puglia destinations, including the Baroque town of Martina Franca and Locorotondo, known for its wine production.