Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
houses, white-tipped as if dusted by snow. These dry-stone buildings are made from local
limestone; none are older than the 14th century. Inhabitants do not wear pointy hats, but
they do sell anything a visitor might want, from miniature
trulli
to woollen shawls.
The town is named after the primitive oak forest Arboris Belli (beautiful trees) that
once covered this area. It's an amazing area, but also something of a tourist trap - from
May to October busloads of tourists pile into
trullo
homes, drink in
trullo
bars and shop
in
trullo
shops.
If you park in Lago Martellotta, follow the steps up to the Piazza del Popolo where
Belvedere Trulli offers fabulous views over the whole higgledy-piggledy picture.
Sights
Rione Monti
Within the old town quarter of Rione Monti more than 1000 trulli cascade down the hill-
side, most of which are now souvenir shops. The area is surprisingly quiet and atmospher-
ic in the late evening, once the gaudy stalls have been stashed away.
HISTORIC QUARTER
Rione Aia Piccola
To the east, on the other side of Via Indipendenza, is Rione Aia Piccola. This neighbour-
hood is much less commercialised, with 400
trulli,
many still used as family dwellings.
You can climb up for a rooftop view at many shops, although most do have a strategically
located basket for a donation.
HISTORIC QUARTER
Trullo Sovrano
( 080 432 60 30; Piazza Sacramento; admission €1.50; 10am-6pm)
In the modern part of town, the
18th-century Trullo Sovrano is the only two-floor
trullo,
built by a wealthy priest's family.
It's a small museum giving something of the atmosphere of
trullo
life, with sweet, roun-
ded rooms that include a re-created bakery, bedroom and kitchen. The souvenir shop here
has a wealth of literature on the town and surrounding area, plus Alberobello recipe
topics.
HISTORIC QUARTER
Sleeping
It's a unique experience to stay in your own
trullo,
though some people might find Alber-
obello too touristy to use as a base.