Undisputed capital of the trulli in the gorgeous Valle d’Itria. Alberobello may be the most touristic town in Puglia, but away from the crowds of the rione Monti it is still possible to discover a little of authentic Alberobello.
“Maybe the masterpiece of Puglia is Alberobello, there is no tourist guide that ignores it, no geography book for middle schools that does not have photographs of its trulli … Alberobello is a perfect town whose formula has become style in the rigor with which it has been applied”.
Italian film director and poet Pier Paolo Pasolini (1951)
Think of Puglia and you will probably picture Alberobello’s trulli – as iconic as Polignano a Mare’s Lama Monachile – and just as likely to grace the cover of the latest edition of The Lonely Planet Guide to Puglia.
Although they feature across the Itria Valley, the concentration of trulli found in Alberobello makes it unique.
The majority are found in two separate districts (“rione”): the rione Monti meanders up and around Via Monte San Michele, San Gabriele and San Marco; on the other side of Largo Martellotta around Via Giuseppe Verdi is the quieter rione Aia Piccola.
Unprepared for the crowds and the commercialisation of Alberobello some visitors leave feeling underwhelmed. The authenticity and charm of a long gone way of life has all but evaporated.
Most Alberobello guides advise arriving before 9am ahead of the organised bus tours. Or to wait until late afternoon when the crowds have evaporated.
Yet no trip to Puglia would be complete without visiting Alberobello.
Manage expectations and forget the promise of a “magical” experience to avoid being disappointed. You don’t even need to plan your trip around the busy crowds. If you know where to look you can still find a small part of authentic Alberobello no matter when you visit.
Moreberobello
Discover more | Alberobello City Guide | EatPuglia – Trullo D’Oro, Alberobello | Trails of the Unexpected – Alberobello’s Secret Spaces.
