The Trulli of Alberobello: Sleeping in UNESCO-Protected Conical Stone Houses
Alberobello's whitewashed trulli—cone-shaped limestone homes with grey stone roofs—form one of Europe's most unusual urban settings. Over 1,500 of these prehistoric-style structures are concentrated in the Rione Monti and Aia Piccola areas, with conical roofs typically decorated with mystical or astrological symbols whose meanings are still unknown.
Historical context
Trulli originated in 14th-century tax evasion techniques. Local lords advised peasants to build without mortar so that houses could be rapidly disassembled when tax collectors arrived—temporary residences avoided property taxes. The technique evolved into sophisticated dry-stone building based on the rich limestone found in Puglia's Itria Valley. The conical shape enables natural climate control: thick stone walls keep interiors cool during the sweltering summer heat, and the tall ceiling promotes air circulation.
Visitor experience
Many trulli are now operated as boutique accommodations (€80-200 per night), providing the unique experience of sleeping beneath these old domes. Trullo Sovrano, the only two-story trullo, serves as a museum, displaying traditional furnishings and building processes. The Rione Monti sector has grown somewhat touristic with souvenir shops, but Aia Piccola retains its true residential character, with families still living in traditional trulli.
Practical advice
Visit the Trullo Church (Chiesa di Sant'Antonio), the world's only church built in the trullo style. Explore the adjacent Itria Valley villages of Locorotondo, Cisternino, and Martina Franca, where trulli dot agricultural landscapes away from tourist throngs. The best photography takes place in the early morning, when side lighting highlights the conical features and before day-trip buses come from Bari.
