How to use the guide?

It’s really easy!

The itinerary I have created is set up so that you have a practical route to explore the city! Before each attraction you will find buttons like the one below 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻

Example !

Just press over the button and you will be guided with google maps to the next point! Once you reach your destination you can come back to this guide and read or listen to all the information and trivia!

In the next paragraph I will also leave you with a map of the entire route but you won’t need it to explore the city!

If you want to see a demo of how to use the guide, click on the button below 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻

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What to do in Alberobello in a day?

Alberobello is a very special city located in the heart of the Puglia region. Known throughout the world for its Trulli, its traditional houses, a UNESCO heritage site.

I first visited Alberobello many years ago with my family and I can assure you that this town looks like a fairy tale village!

To write this guide I got help from Giuseppe, a friend of mine originally from the beautiful Bari, a city a few kilometers from here. 😉

The tour I am proposing today is only 1.5 km long, but don’t worry, we will manage to visit all the most interesting places in Alberobello. Our tour will start at the Trullo Church (click here to get there)!

Ps: if you need anything, feel free to contact me on Whatsapp by clicking here!

And now… let’s go!

The tour!

Map Preview & How to use it

Let me show you the preview of our route! By scrolling the guide you will find buttons to click that will always take you to the next attraction/monument (so this map is just to give you an idea about the itinerary, no need to use it now🤓)!

The yellow markers are the monuments and attractions we will see.

The brown markers are some extras not included in our tour but which you can visit if you have time left.

The red indicators, on the other hand, are some of my favorite restaurants (I tell you more about them at the end)!

I would say we are ready to get started!

Introduction & History of the city

Alberobello is a town with about 10,000 inhabitants, many of whom still live inside these particular dwellings called “Trulli”.

 

 

Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996, Alberobello represents a place where history, tradition and architecture blend harmoniously.

 

The historic center of Alberobello is divided into two main areas Rione Monti, which is the most touristic area where there are over 1,000 trulli, many of which house shops, artisan workshops, restaurants and holiday homes.

 

And then there is the Aia Piccola, in this area trulli are still used as traditional homes and you can breathe a more authentic atmosphere.

The Alberobello area has been inhabited since prehistoric times, as demonstrated by archaeological finds in the vicinity. In the Middle Ages, the territory was covered with thick forests, hence the name “Silva Arboris Belli” which means forest of the beautiful tree.

In the 15th century, Alberobello became part of the possessions of the Counts of Conversano, the Acquaviva d’Aragona, who promoted the colonization of the area. The farmers, attracted by the possibility of cultivating the land, began to build homes using an ingenious architectural expedient: the trulli, dry stone buildings with cone-shaped roofs. This technique allowed them to quickly dismantle the homes, evading the taxes on brick-built towns imposed by the rulers of the Kingdom of Naples.

 

 

Over the centuries, the village developed, but the inhabitants had to endure the feudal impositions of the Counts of Conversano. The turning point came in 1797, when King Ferdinand IV of Bourbon, accepting the requests of the inhabitants, declared Alberobello a “royal city”, freeing it from feudal rule.

Today Alberobello is one of the most visited places in Puglia and a symbol of ingenuity and tradition. In 1996, UNESCO recognized its trulli as a World Heritage Site, celebrating them as a unique example of popular architecture.

According to some historians, the original full name would have been “Silva Arboris Belli”, which translated from Latin means “forest of the beautiful tree”. A reference to the natural beauty of the surrounding areas.

Let’s start our visit to Alberobello starting from the Trullo Church!

let's start 🇮🇹 !

A. Trullo Church

The Church of Sant’Antonio, also known as the Trullo Church, was built in 1926, during a period in which Alberobello was undergoing a phase of modernization, but the design was strongly inspired by the tradition of the trulli. The church was built to serve the growing population of the town, which until then depended on the Mother Church of Alberobello, located in the upper part of the town.

Its construction was designed by the architect Antonio Curri, who wanted to maintain the typical style of the local houses, but with a functional and religious use. The Church of Sant’Antonio was the first church in Puglia to be built entirely as a trullo and is composed of a large central structure with the classic conical roof. The trullo that houses the church is built in limestone. The roof is cone-shaped, with a small “pinnacle” on top, another typical feature of these houses.

The interior of the church is very simple, but full of religious symbolism. The main altar is in the center, with the original stone floor that recalls the typical element of the trulli. The Trullo Church of Alberobello was built right next to the area where the oldest buildings in the city are located, dating back centuries.

Inside the church there is also a large fresco located behind the altar, known as the Tree of Salvation.

Made in 1959 by the artist Adolfo Rollo, this painting represents Christian redemption. The tree represents a gigantic trunk, whose heart is a crucifix of Jesus. Around the branches of the tree, there are circles that enclose the faces of different saints. At the foot of the tree are the Madonna and the apostle John. Adam and Eve are kneeling on the ground, ready to welcome the Lord.

Two peacocks, symbol of eternity, appear on the branches of the tree, while higher up you can see two angels gazing in ecstasy at the face of Jesus Christ.

We continue our visit passing by the painted trulli!

Andiamo 🇮🇹 !

B. Painted Trulli

Walking along this street you can admire some of the most famous trulli of Alberobello, but before explaining the symbols that you find painted on the roofs, I will briefly tell you the history of these structures!

The history of the Trulli

Some theories on the origin of trulli date back to 1500 BC, when the classical Greek term tholos referred to a domed structure used as a tomb, as in the case of the Treasury of Atreus. Other studies link the origin of the name to the Byzantine Greek term torullos , which indicated a domed room in the imperial palace of Constantinople. A further hypothesis refers to the Latin turris , from which the variants turulla , trulla and trullum, used to describe small towers.

Trulli are one of the first examples of insulating architecture. Their structure guarantees freshness during the summer and warmth in the winter, thanks to walls and roofs built dry with limestone blocks. Air chambers are created between the stones that regulate the internal temperature. The conical roof, built without supports, is composed of “chiancarelle” arranged in brackets in increasingly narrow circles, until they form a central opening.

Chianche and chiancarelle are limestone slabs. They differ in thickness: chiancarelle are thinner. In particular, the Apulian limestone floors, typical of trullo buildings, are called “chianche”, but the covering slabs of conical vaults (or chiancole, chiancarelle) are also called this way, as they guarantee their impermeability.

Master builders adapted the trulli to meet the needs of rural life. Each structure of about 30 square meters included multifunctional areas: hearth, well, barn, storage for the harvest and work spaces. The wooden beams present, still visible in many trulli, had no structural purpose, but were used to hang supplies and food, keeping them raised from the ground.

The design of the trulli, defined as “passive”, guarantees exceptional resistance even to seismic events. A document from 1897 tells of a cyclone that destroyed the entire surrounding area, leaving only the trulli intact.

It is said that, in the past, trulli were used to evade taxes on housing. One of the most widespread theories is that residents communicated with each other via smoke signals to warn of the arrival of tax inspectors, quickly dismantling the roofs to make the houses look like piles of stones. Another popular belief says that, when the landowner visited to collect the tax, it was enough to remove a single stone to make the entire structure collapse, transforming it into a simple pile of boulders.

 

 



Although many trulli have been renovated today, they are still used as homes and continue to be studied by engineers and architects. The construction of the trullo is a brilliant example of spontaneous architecture, which is based on ancient but extremely effective techniques. The trullo is built with a solid base of thick walls, on which a structure of lime and local limestone is erected, without internal support elements, but with incredible static stability.

 

 

 

The trullo is usually circular in plan, with the internal spaces distributed around a single central room. The thick walls and minimal windows allow for a perfect thermal balance, ensuring warmth in winter and coolness in summer. Another distinctive element of the trullo is the keystone, often crowned by a decorative pinnacle with esoteric or propitiatory motifs.

 

The cornice that protrudes from the roof of the trulli was designed to collect rainwater and channel it into cisterns, while external steps allowed the trulli to be filled from above with straw and grain, where necessary. The materials used in construction were simple: no cement was used, only mortar and local limestone.

 

Even today, many trulli are used as residences by locals, others have been transformed into restaurants, small souvenir shops or tourist accommodations.

The construction of trulli was an art reserved for master trullari, expert craftsmen who passed down the craft from generation to generation.

 

 

 

Although today it is difficult to find masters capable of building trulli according to tradition, some young people are rediscovering this ancient art, helping to keep the tradition alive.

The pinnacles on the top of the trulli, also known as “trullo key” or “cucurneo”, represent a distinctive element. These can have a decorative or symbolic function, and their meaning has fascinated scholars for centuries. There are several hypotheses about this:

 

 

  1. A spiritual connection: they represent an ideal of elevation towards the sky, similar to Gothic architecture, but with references to agricultural cults and the Sun god.
  2. Personalized decorations: These were often made by the master trullo makers to add an artistic touch to the structure.
  3. Family hallmarks: The pinnacle could identify a family group, with a unique design shared between trulli belonging to the same family.

 

 

 

The most common shapes include spheres, disks, tetrahedrons, crosses, and stars. These pinnacles have undergone variations over time, reflecting the creative flair of the builders.

The chiancarelle, the stone slabs that form the roofs, often have signs painted with white lime. These symbols belong to various traditions: some have primitive origins, others are linked to magic, Christianity or pagan symbolism. There are over 200 types, and each symbol has a specific meaning:

 

– Primitive symbols: simple signs such as the swastika, which represents the cyclical nature of life, or recurring numbers such as 3, 5 and 7.

 

 

 

– Magical symbols: these include images of the sun, moon and zodiac signs, often with apotropaic purposes, that is, to protect from evil.

 

 

 

– Pagan symbols: linked to the cult of animals, such as the eagle (which symbolizes the aspiration to heaven) or the serpent (which represents prudence).

– Christian symbols: the cross, the Eucharistic chalice and the pierced heart are common, but elements borrowed from Jewish tradition also coexist, such as the six-pointed star.

 

 

 

– Ornamental symbols: These reflect the creativity of the builders, including agricultural tools, intertwined hearts and representations of crops.

Now we cross the Rione Monti District!

let's go 🇮🇹 !

C. Rione Monti District

The Rione Monti district, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located on the southern hill of Alberobello and is home to over a thousand trulli. The area is crossed by fifteen streets and is located near Largo Martellotta, so called because of the three cisterns dug into the Eight hundred to collect rainwater.

The houses in the neighborhood, many of which today have a commercial function, are distributed along eight main streets arranged in parallel that outline the longitudinal structure of the district.

In this area there are also the oldest trulli in the city and they are located along Via Monte Nero and Via Monte Sabotino.

Rione Monti was originally the neighborhood of the lower classes of Alberobello. Its origins date back to the period in which the Counts of Conversano allowed the farmers and workers of the area to build their homes using the dry stone technique, which allowed them to build rudimentary and easily dismantled houses, avoiding (so it is said) the payment of taxes to the Kingdom of Naples.

In 1910, the entire Rione Monti was proclaimed a National Monument by Royal Decree, with a motivation that underlined the importance of preserving its uniqueness.

Since 1996, the neighborhood, together with the entire historic area of Alberobello, has been included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The names of the streets in the Monti district (for example, Via Monte Nero, Via Monte Pasubio) are a tribute to the mountains and to the places linked to the events of the First World War.

During the Christmas period, the Monti district hosts a living nativity scene that enhances the uniqueness of the area and transforms it into an evocative festive setting.

Now we head towards one of the most important trulli in this neighborhood: the Trullo Siamese!

let's walk 🇮🇹 !

D. Trullo Siamese

This building, probably one of the oldest in Alberobello, stands out for its unique continuous double cone roof. The Trullo Siamese is composed of two interconnected cones, which share a central wall. This peculiarity makes it different from other trulli, which usually have a single dome. The recess between the two cones, visible from the outside, was skillfully filled by the master trullo maker who built it, giving the building a unique shape.

 

Inside, the trullo has a low fireplace and lacks windows. The various rooms were originally connected by small doors, making the space functional but essential.

What makes it even more special are the two distinct facades, each with a separate entrance overlooking two different streets.

 

This architectural detail, in addition to being linked to the legend that I will tell you about later, represents a practical solution adopted during the division of the property.

According to a local legend, the Trullo Siamese was inhabited by two brothers. The elder brother was engaged to a girl who, however, fell in love with the younger brother. The two became lovers, unleashing unbearable tension between the brothers. In a rage, the elder brother chased the two lovers away, but the younger brother claimed his right to a share of the inheritance. To resolve the dispute, the trullo was divided into two parts, one for each brother, thus ensuring a forced peace.

Entrance to Trullo Siamese is free and it is open every day from 9am to 10pm.

Let’s continue our tour and head to one of the most beautiful panoramic points of Alberobello!

Andiamo 🇮🇹 !

E. Panoramic View Alberobello

This is definitely one of the best places from which to see the city of Alberobello!

This fairy-tale-like setting is particularly fascinating thanks to the perfect harmony between traditional architecture and the natural setting.

In Puglia, one of the most fascinating traditions concerns the artisanal creation of the famous terracotta whistles. Over the centuries, whistles have been the protagonists of celebrations and rituals, both religious and secular, but in Italy, and in Puglia in particular, terracotta whistles have also taken on a sentimental meaning. It was a tradition for young lovers to give them to the girl they wanted to declare their love to.

During the Middle Ages, whistles were often used to satirize authorities, especially during Carnival, a period in which one could freely mock figures of power such as prelates, carabinieri or local notables. This ironic tradition has remained alive, especially in Puglia, where the whistle is often a symbol of good luck and playful social criticism.

The Apulian whistles are made entirely of terracotta, a material that boasts a long artisan tradition in Puglia. The creation of these objects is closely linked to the territory of Alberobello, with depictions of scenes of daily life, animals, typical characters and ironic figures.

Now we cross the second most important district of Alberobello: Aia Piccola District!

let's walk 🇮🇹 !

F. Aia Piccola District

The oldest and most authentic neighborhood of Alberobello is Aia Piccola, so called because it once constituted the ancient and industrious area dedicated to the agricultural work of the town.

The Rione Aia Piccola is made up of a network of narrow and winding alleys, lined with trulli that line up on two levels, creating a suggestive and intimate atmosphere. Unlike the more touristy Rione Monti, here the trulli are mainly private homes, which gives the neighborhood a more authentic and quiet atmosphere.

The name “Aia Piccola” derives from the word “aia”, which in the Apulian dialect indicates the open and paved area where agricultural activities took place, such as the threshing of cereals. The adjective “Piccola” refers to the smaller size of this area compared to other similar areas such as the nearby former Piazza delle Erbe which is now called Piazza XXVII Maggio .

In ancient times this square was the site of the city market where various agricultural products were sold.

A curious aspect of Aia Piccola is that many of the buildings were intended to be homes for peasant families. Each trullo had its own function and often, inside, there were different rooms, such as kitchens, bedrooms and spaces for storing crops. The simple and functional appearance of these homes reflects the poor and industrious life of the people who lived there.

Let’s continue our tour and head to the Museum of the Territory

Andiamo 🇮🇹 !

G. Museum of the Territory

The ancient residence of the doctor and intellectual Giacomo Pezzolla houses the Civic Museum of Alberobello, which focuses on the culture and history of the local area.

 

 

The house, located in the heart of the town, became the property of Pezzolla, who lived there for a long period and played an important role in the social and cultural life of the town.

Although small in size, the museum is of great value and is housed within 15 interconnected trulli. Inside, numerous material and immaterial finds are preserved that tell the story of the origins of the trulli and the rich agricultural tradition that inspired them. The museum also features art and craft objects typical of the region, such as ceramics, agricultural tools and traditional clothing.

 

 

These objects help to understand the habits and artisan techniques that have characterized the territory over time. A part of the museum is dedicated to the history of Alberobello, from its origins to the present day and highlights the main historical events and social and economic transformations that have marked the city.

The museum also offers an in-depth look at the evolution of Alberobello and its territory, with particular attention to significant places such as the “Fondazione Gigante” internment camp, the Bosco Selva and the hamlet of Coreggia.

The “Fondazione Gigante” Internment Camp is linked to the history of the period of the two world wars.

During the Second World War, Italy was involved in a series of war actions that also involved the treatment of prisoners of war and people suspected of enemy activities. In this context, the Alberobello internment camp was used to detain people, especially prisoners from different nations, especially Yugoslavia, who had been arrested during the conflict.

The Gigante farmhouse in Alberobello, also known as the “red house” for the color of its walls, was the longest-running internment camp in the Puglia region.

Built in the late 1800s by the priest Francesco Gigante, the structure was transformed into an agricultural school after his death and remained so until 1939. In 1940 it became a fascist prison. The first prisoners were 18 Indians with Italian citizenship but British passports, arrested after Italy declared war on Great Britain. Between 1940 and 1943, hundreds of Italian, Polish and Czechoslovakian Jews were also imprisoned.

After the end of the fascist regime, between 1944 and 1946, the Casa hosted fascists from Puglia who had held high positions in the regime. In 1947, it became a place of internment for “undesirable” women, including former collaborators, prostitutes and vagrants, some of whom brought their children with them. The Red House continued to function as an internment camp until 1949, also welcoming illegal immigrants, thieves and vagrants.

Later, it was transformed into a juvenile re-education center, then into a school and even into a television headquarters. In the 90s, it fell into oblivion. In 2007, the Puglia Region declared it a property of historical and artistic interest, and recently it was purchased by private individuals with the intent of recovering it, but the structure remains abandoned, subject to deterioration.

The museum is open every day from 10am to 8pm. The ticket for the museum costs €3 and can be purchased on site.

Now let’s move to the Casa Amore!

let's go 🇮🇹 !

Casa D'Amore

Casa D’Amore, built in 1797 by citizen Francesco D’Amore, is the first house in Alberobello made entirely of terracotta, using mortar for its construction, following a royal decree that allowed the inhabitants to build houses in this way.

This innovation marked an important architectural evolution, moving from traditional trulli to a more modern structure, while maintaining some distinctive features. The house is located in Piazza Ferdinando IV di Borbone, a strategic point as it is visible from the nearby residence of the Counts.

According to tradition, on June 22, 1797, while the first Mayor was being elected, Francesco D’Amore began the construction of what would be the first house ever built in terracotta in Alberobello, using mortar. The King, with a decree, authorized the inhabitants of the town to build their homes in the way they considered most convenient, without having to submit to the constraints imposed by the Count of Conversano.

A distinctive feature of Casa D’Amore is the small epigraph under the arch of the balcony that attests to the date of construction (1797). This is one of the few examples of an inscription on a building in Alberobello before the 19th century, a rare sign since the presence of epigraphs or dates was not well regarded by the local feudal lords. Over time, the construction technique with mortar spread rapidly, as demonstrated by some notarial agreements from the end of 1798 that document the construction of other homes with this new style.

The house takes its name from the mayor of the time, Francesco D’amore who was also the first owner of this house.

In 1930, Casa D’Amore was declared a national monument, it was restored in 1951 and in 1996 it was included in the world heritage. This building represents an important example of architectural and historical-cultural evolution for the city of Alberobello.

The visit is free and very short and is open every day.

We continue our visit and reach the Mother Church of the Saints Cosma and Damiano!

let's go to the church 🇮🇹 !

H. Mother Church of the Holy Doctors Cosma and Damiano

The Mother Church of the Saints Cosma and Damiano is one of the most important religious buildings in Alberobello, located in the heart of the historic center. Dedicated to the patron saints of the city, Cosma and Damiano, it dates back to 1784. The church was designed to replace a smaller chapel that was no longer sufficient to accommodate the faithful. The project by architect Antonio Curri was completed in its current form only in 1914. However, a significant element of the original plan was never realized: the large central dome, designed to dominate the Latin cross plan of the building.

The neoclassical church is characterised by its façade composed of two lateral bell towers.

The interior, with a single nave and side chapels, houses numerous frescoes and statues celebrating the patron saints. In the left arm of the sanctuary, dedicated to the Saints Medici, are the wooden statues of Cosma and Damiano, the work of Antolini di Andria and Tammurro di Rutigliano.

In the center, inside a reliquary created in 1989, precious fragments of the relics are kept: a piece of the arm of Saint Cosmas and a portion of the skull of Saint Damian.

Cosmas and Damian were two brothers, who lived in the 3rd century AD, who practiced medicine with great devotion and altruism. Cosmas and Damian were known for treating the sick without accepting compensation, earning them the title of “Anargyri” (from the Greek “without silver”). Their medical practice was not limited to the body, but was accompanied by a strong message of Christian faith, which often led to the conversion of their patients.

 

According to tradition, during Diocletian’s persecutions against Christians, they were arrested and forced to renounce their faith. When they refused, they were tortured and finally beheaded, probably around 303 AD. Despite their suffering, they held fast to their faith until their deaths.

Every year, on September 26 and 27, Alberobello holds a festival in honor of the saints, with processions and religious celebrations.

According to a legend, a serious crime occurred in the Basilica dei Santi Medici. A peasant family, who had become rich by stealing material goods and money from the poor people of the village, took advantage of this fortune to move into the house in Contrada Orlando. However, not content with what they had accumulated, they decided to steal the treasure of the Basilica as well.

Their presumption and self-confidence pushed them to commit the theft during the patronal feast, while the Holy Mass was being celebrated in honor of the patron saints of the city.

During their escape, however, they did not realize that they had not taken the gold from the statues of the saints. When they returned to retrieve it, they approached the statues and, as soon as they touched them, they remained mysteriously attached to them. They spent the whole night like this, unable to detach themselves.

The next morning, the parish priest found them still in that position and, worried, rang the bells to alert the community. Despite the efforts of the volunteers who came to help them, no one managed to free them from the statues.

In the evening, the indignant inhabitants of Alberobello prayed to the saints to punish the thieves, cursing them and their families for seven generations. It was then that the criminals suddenly detached themselves from the statues and were invited to return home.

When they reached their home, the building began to creak and show signs of collapse. The family managed to escape just in time, before the house collapsed, burying their stolen treasures and everything they had accumulated through years of crime.

Thus the curse invoked by the inhabitants was fulfilled, which caused the family to fall into the same state of poverty as their victims.

We complete our journey with a visit to the Trullo Sovrano!

Andiamo 🇮🇹 !

I. Trullo Sovrano

The Trullo Sovrano is the only two-story trullo in the city, a rare example of the construction skill and innovation of local 18th-century artisans. The Trullo Sovrano represents an evolution of traditional rural trulli, with a more complex and spacious structure, designed to accommodate a wealthy family.

 

 

The current left wing constitutes the original nucleus of the complex, dating back to the early 1600s, while the rest of the building was completed in the first half of the 1700s at the behest of Cataldo Perta, a priest belonging to a wealthy family.

 

 

Originally, the Trullo Sovrano was known as “Corte Papa Cataldo”, a name that identified both the structure and the entire surrounding neighborhood. This name came from the figure of Cataldo Perta, who used it as his main residence and designated the nearby trulli as homes for his employees. The name appears in historical documents, including a notarial deed from 1797, which mentions some modifications to the structure. These interventions, carried out despite the restrictions imposed by Count Giangirolamo Acquaviva, feudal lord of the time, certainly date the main facade of the Trullo Sovrano to 1797 or shortly before.

 

 

The structure has a dome about 14 meters high that is made with the dry stone technique, using only overlapping stones without the use of mortar. On the ground floor there is the main room, the dining room, the pantry and the kitchen. There is also a secondary kitchen, accessible from the outside, which was most likely used as an oven for baking bread. Inside, the staircase that connects the two levels is an element of great architectural and functional interest very rare in trulli.

 

 

On the first floor there is the bedroom and the loom.

Over the centuries, the Trullo Sovrano has had multiple uses, including a courtyard, chapel, oratory and private residence. In the early 19th century, it temporarily housed the relics of Saints Cosma and Damiano, patrons of Alberobello, and in 1826 it became the headquarters of the Confraternity of the SS. Sacramento. At the end of the 19th century, the trullo passed to the Sumerano family, who made it their home.

This building is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage, together with the historic center of Alberobello, and represents an undisputed symbol of the city.

The Trullo Sovrano owes its name to its grandeur and uniqueness compared to the other trulli of Alberobello. This building, in fact, is the largest and most majestic in the city, as well as being the only one with two floors. The name “Sovrano” reflects its central function and its historical importance, which make it almost “regal” compared to the other smaller and simpler trulli.

Trullo Sovrano is open from November to March from 10 to 12:45 and from 15:30 to 18, while from April to October it is open from 10 to 12:45 and from 15:30 to 18:30. Tickets cost €2.50 and can be purchased directly on site.

Our tour has come to an end but there still remains an important topic to address: the typical dishes of the city!

Typical dishes and where to eat them

Alberobello, in addition to being famous for its trulli, is also renowned for some typical local products that are found exclusively in this area or that have a strong connection with the territory.

Meat rolls stuffed with cheese and spices are a true institution in Alberobello, often cooked in the typical local “fornelli”. They are distinguished by the variety of fillings and the tradition of tasting them directly in the butcher-restaurants of the town.

Among the symbolic dishes of Apulian cuisine, orecchiette are served with a simple and tasty sauce made of turnip tops and anchovies. For an extra touch, you can add toasted breadcrumbs and a drizzle of spicy oil.

 

Zampina is a particular spiral-rolled sausage, prepared with a tasty mix of beef, pork and lamb, enriched with spices and aromas. Originally from Sammichele di Bari, it is a classic that can also be enjoyed in the butchers and grill shops of Alberobello.

Stracciatella is a fresh dairy product made of mozzarella filaments immersed in cream, appreciated for its creaminess. Burrata, an even richer variant, encloses the stracciatella inside a fiordilatte casing, offering a unique taste experience.

Thanks to its proximity to the sea, this dish combines the authentic flavors of the land and the sea. Cavatellucci, a fresh pasta from Puglia, pairs perfectly with clams, mussels and shrimp, creating a refined yet simple dish.

Pettole are soft balls of leavened dough, fried and crunchy, typical of the Christmas period. They can be served in different variations: dusted with sugar, dipped in honey or fig vincotto, giving a simple but versatile dessert rich in tradition.

Considered the Christmas dessert par excellence in Puglia, cartellate boast ancient origins, linked to the cults of the goddess Ceres. They are shaped like small baskets and can be fried or baked. The seasoning varies according to family traditions, with honey, sugar, vincotto wine or figs as classic versions, but also cinnamon, chocolate, almonds or powdered sugar for a more modern touch.

Vincotto and cotto di fichi are thick and sweet syrups, obtained respectively from grape must and figs cooked with water. These traditional ingredients are used especially during the Christmas period, to enrich typical desserts such as cartellate, pettole and porcedduzzi, giving them a unique and intense flavour.

Porcedduzzi are small dumplings prepared with the same dough as taralli, which are then dipped in hot honey. Traditionally, they are served during the Christmas holidays, often accompanied by cartellate, representing a typical and beloved dessert of the Apulian celebrations.

Although Apulian oil is famous throughout the region, the one produced around Alberobello is appreciated for its fruity taste and artisanal quality.

Where to eat all these delicacies?

The range of restaurants and venues is truly incredible in Alberobello. I tested several places and these are my favorites:

L’Aratro Restaurant By Laera Domenico Typical restaurant of Alberobello! Click here to get there! 

Trullo del Conte Ristorante Pizzeria Excellent restaurant offering Mediterranean cuisine. Click here to get there!

Trullo d’Oro Typical cuisine restaurant. Click here to get there! 

Trullo dei Sapori Restaurant typical Mediterranean cuisine based on fish! Click here to get there! 

Ristorante il Pinnacolo Excellent family-run restaurant! Click here to get there! 

Focacceria la Lira Excellent if you want to have a quick lunch! Click here to get there! 

Bar Pasticceria Martinucci Excellent ice cream shop and pastry shop! Click here to get there! 

Pozzo Contadino Pizzeria Restaurant Excellent pizzeria! Click here to get there! 

 

The end?

Unfortunately, we have finished our tour! However, there are several things around Alberobello that you could visit: I’ll leave some tips below!

Contrada Bosco Selva

A small area immersed in nature, ideal for those seeking tranquility and rural landscapes. Contrada Bosco Selva stands out for its lush vegetation and relaxing atmosphere, typical of the Apulian countryside. Perfect for walking and enjoying the greenery in harmony with nature.

 

Ostuni

 

 

Known as the “White City”, Ostuni is an architectural jewel located on a hill. The historic center is characterized by a maze of alleys, stairways and whitewashed houses, which contrast with the blue sky. Ostuni offers a breathtaking view of the Adriatic coast and a unique atmosphere, combining history, culture and Apulian food and wine tradition.

 

Brindisi

 

 

Gateway to the East, Brindisi is a historically important coastal city, with a natural port that connects Italy to the Mediterranean and the Near East. It is full of historical monuments such as the Castello Svevo and the Terminal Column of the Appian Way. Brindisi also offers beautiful beaches and a lively culinary scene.

 

Taranto

 

 

The “City of Two Seas,” Taranto is famous for the Mar Piccolo and Mar Grande that surround it, as well as for its ancient Greek history. It is home to the National Archaeological Museum (MARTA), which houses treasures of Magna Graecia, and the spectacular Cathedral of San Cataldo. The city mixes archaeology, maritime traditions and a modern urban atmosphere.

 

Grotte di Castellana

 

 

One of the most important karst complexes in Italy, the Castellana Caves are a natural wonder. These underground caves, with stalactites and stalagmites, offer spectacular routes to the famous “Grotta Bianca”, considered one of the most beautiful in the world. Ideal for explorers and lovers of geology.

 

Monopoli

 

 

A coastal town overlooking the Adriatic, Monopoli boasts a characteristic historic center with narrow streets, ancient churches and a picturesque fishing port. It is renowned for its sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, as well as for its hospitality and fresh seafood cuisine.

All good things must come to an end😬!

First of all, if you enjoyed the tour will be really important for me to have a review on these platforms (also on the platform where you booked, but these platforms that you find below are fundamental).

You can leave a review (no pressure on you for this⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐) by clicking on these beautiful buttons!

What about a review on Google 🤩? Just click on the logo!

Click on the logo and leave a review on Truspilot 🤩 

I know that it takes time (actually 4 seconds 😬) but for me this part is really important in order to continue this activity 🥰!

If, on the other hand, you had problems, have suggestions on how to improve it, or want to contact me, feel free to write me on WhatsApp by clicking here!

Are you going to visit other cities?

I have prepared different digital guides to enable you to other cities as well. All guides were written in collaboration with locals so that the most authentic stories and advice could be included!

In these digital guides you will find:

  • Itinerary with the highlights of the city (connected with google maps) 📍
  • Historical info, curiosities and funny facts 🤓
  • FOOD TIPS from locals ! Every city has it’s own typical dishes so it’s super important to know about them 😬 Also, thanks to my local friends, you will discover real local restaurants to try them 😋!

I already prepared a special discount for you, you’ll find everything by clicking here!

Again, if need some support or need any extra info, feel free to write me on WhatsApp by clicking here!

Greetings from your Walking Cap!

Matteo