What to See, Do, and Eat in Alberobello: The Ultimate Guide to the Trulli Capital of Puglia

Famous around the world and made iconic by its characteristic trulli, Alberobello is a one-of-a-kind destination and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nestled in the heart of Puglia, this charming village is a real jewel that attracts visitors from across the globe, all eager to explore its storybook streets and the surrounding countryside dotted with olive groves, wheat fields, and vineyards. 

What are Trulli?

The word trullo comes from the ancient Greek trûllos, meaning "dome."These fascinating dry-stone dwellings, with their circular base and conical roof, are typical of southeast Bari. Once used as temporary shelters in the countryside or permanent homes for farmers, their origins are rooted in a clever tax-evasion tactic. Under a law from the Kingdom of Naples, buildings constructed without mortar could be easily dismantled. The local nobleman, Count Giangirolamo II Acquaviva d’Aragona, known as the “Squinter of Puglia," encouraged this construction method so that farmers could avoid paying taxes to the Spanish Viceroy. When tax collectors came knocking, all it took was removing one keystone to collapse the structure and make it look like a pile of rubble. 

Today, trulli can be found all over the Itria Valley,standing proudly in both countryside and historic centers, often alongside grand masserie (traditional farmhouses). But Alberobello is the only city where you can find so many rulli in one place, home to an entire neighborhood built entirely of these iconic dwellings and considered the capital of culture of the area.

No other town in Puglia has such a dense concentration of trulli, and in 1996, UNESCO officially recognized its uniquen UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Come raggiungere Alberobello

You can reach Alberobello from either Bari or Brindisi airports, by train (via Ferrovie Sud Est), or by bus. Need assistance? Our transfer service can pick you up directly from your accommodation and drop you off in Alberobello for a seamless journey.

Here at Pugliamare , we offer daily tours tours that include a stop in Alberobello. Together we can take you to discover this magical town, with a tour that combines sea, culture, and tradition for an unforgettable visit.

Or, if you’re short on time in Puglia and want to visit the most iconic UNESCO cities in the area, we offer the perfect tour for history lovers and those who want to discover magical towns that feel straight out of a fairytale. We can take you to explore Matera and Alberobello, two UNESCO World Heritage Sites UNESCO that will leave you speechless with their timeless beauty and fairy-tale atmosphere.

What to See in Alberobello

People come to Alberobello for one main reason: the trulli. 

These unique, dry-stone structures with conical roofs create a surreal skyline that turns the historic center into a living postcard. 

While you're here, don't miss...

• Rione Monti: The most famous district, full of trulli and panoramic views.
• Rione Aia Piccola: Quieter and more authentic, perfect for wandering in peace.
• Trullo Sovrano: the only two-story trullo, with a 14-meter-high cone and twelve interconnected domes. Among the first trulli built using mortar.
• The Church of Saint Anthony: A church entirely made of trulli, built in 1927. 
• Casa Pezzolla: A cluster of 15 interconnected trulli that house a museum.
• Casa D'Amore: Alberobello’s first town hall.
• Museo del Territorio: Now a tiny souvenir shop housed in the smallest trullo in town.
• Siamese Trullo: Two joined trulli that form a single home with a story.

Where and What to Eat in Alberobello

• Ristorante Casa Nova: Sample classic Puglian dishes and local wines in an elegant former olive mill from the 1970s.
• La Bottega del Gelato: One of the town’s oldest gelateria's serving up delicious, handcrafted ice cream.
• Terra Mossa Ristorante: A casual spot offering everything from Italian classics to regional specialties.
• Apperò: A 100% Puglian food experience featuring certified local products. Great for picnics, take-away meals, or a laid-back aperitivo.
• Evo Ristorante:A refined, modern twist on traditional cuisine by chef Gianvito Matarrese. Reservations highly recommended!
• And before you leave Alberobello, don’t skip the legendary Pasqualino sandwich,born in 1966 with just four simple ingredients: tuna, capers, salami, and provola cheese. Invented by local deli owner Pasquale Dell’Erba and his friends, it has become a symbol of the town. Still made the same way 60 years later, you can find this cult-favorite panino in traditional delis all over town.