Alberobello, Italy: The Ultimate Travel Guide 2025

Alberobello, a picturesque town in the Puglia region of southern Italy, is renowned for its unique trulli buildings-traditional dry stone huts with conical roofs. These trulli date back to the 14th century and were originally constructed without mortar to evade taxes on permanent dwellings. In 1996, Alberobello’s trulli were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to their historical and architectural significance.
Visitors to Alberobello should explore Rione Monti, the more touristic area with over 1,000 trulli, offering shops, restaurants, and museums. Aia Piccola, a quieter district with about 400 trulli still used as residences, provides a more authentic experience. Key attractions include the Trullo Sovrano, the largest trullo now functioning as a museum, and the Church of Saint Anthony, a trullo-style church located at the top of Rione Monti.
For photography, the golden hour-early morning or late afternoon-provides the best lighting for capturing the trulli and the charming streets. Seek higher vantage points in Rione Monti and Aia Piccola for panoramic views of the trulli roofs. Visiting Alberobello offers a unique glimpse into Italy’s architectural heritage and cultural traditions, making it a memorable destination in the heart of Puglia.
Taking a guided tour can enhance the understanding of the trulli’s history and construction. Rione Monti’s trulli shops sell local crafts, souvenirs, and regional products like olive oil and wine. Dining in Alberobello is a delight, with local specialties such as orecchiette pasta, fresh seafood, and regional wines available at many restaurants.
Table of Contents
- History of Alberobello
- Early History
- Establishment and Growth
- The Trulli
- Tax Evasion Strategy
- From Feudalism to Independence
- Modern Era and UNESCO Recognition
- 12 Best places to See in Alberobello
- Territory Museum “House Pezzolla”
- Casa d’Amore
- Rione Aia Piccola
- Basilica dei Santi Medici Cosma e Damiano
- Belvedere Santa Lucia
- Trullo Siamese
- Trullo Sovrano
- Romantic Trulli
- Rione Monti
- Alberobello in Miniature
- Chiesa di Sant'Antonio
- Alanya Castle
- 6 Best Day Trips from Alberobello
- Where to Stay in Alberobello
- Best Time to Visit Alberobello
- Visiting Alberobello in Spring
- Visiting Alberobello in Summer
- Visiting Alberobello in Autumn
- Visiting Alberobello in Winter
- How to get to Alberobello
History of Alberobello
Alberobello, located in the Puglia region of southern Italy, has a rich history that dates back several centuries. The town is best known for its distinctive trulli buildings, which are traditional dry stone huts with conical roofs. Here is an overview of the history of Alberobello:
Early History
The area where Alberobello now stands was sparsely populated in ancient times. It was primarily covered with forests, which were gradually cleared for agricultural use. The first recorded settlement dates back to the 14th century when the land was under the control of the Counts of Conversano.
Establishment and Growth
In the mid-16th century, the Counts of Conversano, specifically Count Gian Girolamo II, also known as “the Squinter,” began encouraging the development of the area to increase agricultural productivity. He offered peasants the opportunity to settle and cultivate the land. These new settlers began constructing the unique trulli buildings, which were built using local limestone without mortar. This construction method was practical for dismantling the buildings quickly to avoid paying taxes to the Spanish Viceroy of Naples on permanent dwellings.
The Trulli
The trulli are the most distinctive feature of Alberobello and are believed to have origins in prehistoric times. However, their widespread construction in Alberobello began in the 17th century. These structures were easy to build and maintain, using the abundant limestone from the surrounding area. The conical roofs are made of overlapping stones, and the interiors are cool in summer and warm in winter, providing an ideal living environment.
Tax Evasion Strategy
One of the key reasons for the construction of trulli was to avoid taxes. The feudal lords instructed peasants to build these dry-stone huts so they could be quickly dismantled when royal inspectors were nearby, thus avoiding property taxes imposed by the Kingdom of Naples. This ingenious method allowed the inhabitants to evade heavy taxation and helped the town grow without significant financial burdens.
From Feudalism to Independence
By the late 18th century, the residents of Alberobello grew tired of feudal oppression and sought independence. In 1797, they petitioned King Ferdinand IV of Bourbon, who granted Alberobello the status of a royal town, freeing it from feudal rule. This decree marked the beginning of a new era for the town, allowing it to develop more freely and independently.
Modern Era and UNESCO Recognition
Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, Alberobello continued to grow, albeit slowly. The town’s unique architecture began to attract attention beyond Italy. In 1996, the trulli of Alberobello were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This recognition helped to preserve the historical and architectural integrity of the trulli and boosted tourism, transforming Alberobello into a popular destination for visitors from around the world.
Today, Alberobello is celebrated for its rich history and unique cultural heritage. The town’s trulli remain a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of its early settlers, and they continue to fascinate and attract tourists, historians, and architects alike.
Visiting Alberobello for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Alberobello on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!
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12 Best places to See in Alberobello
This complete guide to Alberobello not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.
This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Alberobello and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!
Territory Museum “House Pezzolla”

Location: Territory Museum "House Pezzolla", Piazza XXVII Maggio, Alberobello, Metropolitan City of Bari, Italy | Price: €4 | Distance: 139.5km
Visiting Territory Museum “House Pezzolla”
Casa d’Amore

Location: Casa D'Amore, Piazza Re Ferdinando IV di Borbone, Alberobello, Metropolitan City of Bari, Italy | Distance: 139.5km
Visiting Casa d’Amore
Rione Aia Piccola

Location: Trulli - Rione Aia Piccola (UNESCO), Alberobello, Metropolitan City of Bari, Italy | Distance: 139.5km
Visiting Rione Aia Piccola
Basilica dei Santi Medici Cosma e Damiano

Location: Chiesa dei Santi Medici Cosma e Damiano, Piazza Antonio Curri, Alberobello, Metropolitan City of Bari, Italy | Distance: 139.5km
Visiting Basilica dei Santi Medici Cosma e Damiano
Belvedere Santa Lucia

Location: Trulli Panoramic View Piazza Plebiscito 70011 Alberobello BA Italy | Distance: 139.5km
Visiting Belvedere Santa Lucia
Trullo Siamese

Location: Trullo Siamese monumento (negozio souvenir), Via Monte Pasubio, Alberobello, Metropolitan City of Bari, Italy | Distance: 139.5km
Visiting Trullo Siamese
Trullo Sovrano

Location: Trullo Sovrano, Piazza Sacramento, Alberobello, Metropolitan City of Bari, Italy | Hours: 10 a.m. - 1.30 p.m. & 3.30 - 7 p.m. (closes at 6 p.m. November - March) | Price: €2 | Distance: 139.5km
Visiting Trullo Sovrano
Romantic Trulli

Location: Via Monte Sabotino, 43, 70011 Alberobello BA, Italy | Distance: 139.5km
Visiting Romantic Trulli
Rione Monti

Location: Alberobello - Rione Monti Via Giuseppe Verdi, 15 70011 Alberobello BA Italy | Distance: 139.5km
Visiting Rione Monti
Alberobello in Miniature

Location: Alberobello in Miniatura, Via Monte San Michele, Alberobello, Metropolitan City of Bari, Italy | Distance: 139.5km
Visiting Alberobello in Miniature
Chiesa di Sant'Antonio

Location: Parrocchia di Sant'Antonio da Padova – Chiesa a Trullo, Via Monte Pertica, Alberobello, Metropolitan City of Bari, Italy | Distance: 139.5km
Visiting Chiesa di Sant'Antonio
Alanya Castle

Location: Alanya Castle, Hisariçi, Erken Sokak, Alanya/Antalya, Türkiye | Distance: 139.5km
Visiting Alanya Castle
Best Day Trips from Alberobello
A day trip from Alberobello offers the perfect opportunity to escape the urban rhythm and discover the surrounding region's charm. Whether you're drawn to scenic countryside, historic villages, or cultural landmarks, the area around Alberobello provides a variety of easy-to-reach destinations ideal for a one-day itinerary. If you are looking to rent a car in Italy I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.
Locorotondo

Location: Locorotondo, Metropolitan City of Bari, Italy | Distance: 8.0km
Visiting Locorotondo
Bari

Visiting Bari
Matera

Visiting Matera
Brindisi

Visiting Brindisi
Lecce

Visiting Lecce
Castrovillari

Visiting Castrovillari
Where to Stay in Alberobello
When deciding where to stay in Alberobello, the choice of area can shape your entire experience — whether you want to be surrounded by the fairy-tale trulli, stay somewhere peaceful and authentic, or enjoy a more luxurious retreat in the countryside. The town offers a range of accommodations from traditional trulli homes to boutique hotels and countryside resorts, each giving visitors a different way to experience this UNESCO-listed gem.
For travelers who want to be right in the heart of Alberobello’s trulli district, Rione Monti is the most iconic place to stay. This is where you’ll find the greatest concentration of the famous conical-roofed houses, winding lanes, and lively atmosphere. Staying here means waking up to the sight of trulli rooftops and being within walking distance of major landmarks like the Trullo Sovrano and the Church of Sant’Antonio. A great option in this area is Trulli Holiday Albergo Diffuso, which offers guests the unique opportunity to stay inside authentic trulli houses that have been lovingly restored with modern comforts. Another excellent choice is Romantic Trulli, ideal for couples seeking a cozy stay amid the town’s most atmospheric lanes.
If you prefer something quieter and more residential, Rione Aia Piccola provides a more peaceful alternative. This area has fewer tourists but retains all the charm of Alberobello’s traditional trulli architecture. It’s perfect for travelers looking to immerse themselves in local life while still being close to restaurants and shops. Tipico Resort offers beautiful trulli accommodations scattered throughout the area, combining privacy, authenticity, and excellent hospitality.
For those seeking more modern amenities and a less touristy atmosphere, the new town area around Corso Vittorio Emanuele and Piazza Curri is a great option. Here, you’ll find boutique hotels and guesthouses that provide easy access to both the historic center and practical conveniences like parking and transport. A top pick here is Hotel Silva, a stylish, contemporary hotel with spacious rooms and a great breakfast, making it ideal for families or longer stays.
Finally, for a truly serene experience surrounded by nature, consider staying just outside Alberobello in the countryside of the Itria Valley. This area is dotted with masserie (traditional farmhouses) and luxury retreats offering sweeping views of olive groves and vineyards. One of the finest examples is Le Alcove-Luxury Hotel nei Trulli, a luxurious collection of trulli that combines the authenticity of traditional architecture with elegant design and high-end service. Staying outside the center also allows for easy exploration of nearby hill towns such as Locorotondo, Martina Franca, and Cisternino, all just a short drive away.
Whether you choose to stay in the bustling Monti district, the quiet charm of Aia Piccola, or a countryside retreat, Alberobello offers accommodations that perfectly match its enchanting and timeless atmosphere.
Using the our Hotel and Accomodation map, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in Alberobello. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay.
Alberobello Accommodation Map
Best Time to Visit Alberobello
Visiting Alberobello in Spring (Best)
Spring is arguably the best time to visit Alberobello, when the town awakens in full bloom and the trulli’s whitewashed walls contrast beautifully with the surrounding greenery. From March to May, temperatures range between 15°C and 25°C, perfect for leisurely strolls through Rione Monti and Aia Piccola without the crowds or summer heat. The air is fragrant with wildflowers, and outdoor cafés begin to fill with locals enjoying the sunshine.
This season also coincides with Easter celebrations across Puglia, where nearby towns like Martina Franca and Locorotondo host atmospheric processions and local feasts. Spring is ideal for photography, sightseeing, and immersing yourself in the gentle rhythm of southern Italy before the tourist rush begins.
Visiting Alberobello in Summer
From June to August, Alberobello is alive with energy. The long, sunny days and clear skies make it a fantastic time for exploring the town’s narrow alleys and nearby countryside. However, this is also peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices, especially in July and August.
One of the highlights of summer is the Festa dei Santi Medici Cosma e Damiano in late July, celebrating the town’s patron saints with parades, fireworks, and traditional music. Evenings are warm and lively, with restaurants and bars spilling into the streets. If you visit during summer, plan your sightseeing early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the midday heat.
Visiting Alberobello in Autumn
September to November brings a peaceful, golden calm to Alberobello. The weather remains pleasantly warm through September, and by October the town settles into a slower pace. This is harvest season, so local markets overflow with fresh produce, olive oil, and wine — perfect for food lovers.
Autumn also hosts smaller local festivals celebrating wine and regional produce in nearby towns such as Locorotondo and Noci. The Feast of Saints Cosma and Damian, held every 26th–27th September, is one of Alberobello’s biggest religious and cultural events, drawing thousands of pilgrims to the basilica. Visiting in autumn lets you experience the town’s traditions with fewer tourists and a truly authentic feel.
Visiting Alberobello in Winter
From December to February, Alberobello transforms into a quiet, enchanting winter escape. While temperatures hover around 8°C to 14°C, the crisp air and festive decorations give the trulli an almost fairy-tale quality. The Christmas season brings markets, nativity scenes, and lights that illuminate the trulli rooftops, making it one of the most photogenic times to visit.
Though some small shops and restaurants may close for the season, the peaceful atmosphere allows you to enjoy Alberobello’s charm at a slower pace. It’s an excellent time for travelers who prefer tranquility and local authenticity — and who don’t mind a cozy stroll under Puglia’s winter skies.
Annual Weather Overview
- January 12°C 57°F
- February 14°C 61°F
- March 14°C 61°F
- April 18°C 68°F
- May 22°C 75°F
- June 28°C 86°F
- July 31°C 91°F
- August 29°C 87°F
- September 26°C 82°F
- October 22°C 74°F
- November 17°C 66°F
- December 13°C 59°F
How to get to Alberobello
Getting to Alberobello by Air
Nearest airports: The two main airports serving Alberobello are Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport (BRI) and Brindisi Salento Airport (BDS). Bari Airport is the closer of the two, located about 70 km (1 hour 15 minutes) north of Alberobello, while Brindisi Airport lies roughly 75 km (1 hour 30 minutes) to the south. Both airports are well connected to major Italian and European cities with regular flights operated by major and low-cost carriers.
From Bari Airport: Travelers can reach Alberobello by train or car. The most convenient route is to take a shuttle or local train to Bari Centrale Station, then continue toward Alberobello by regional rail. Alternatively, renting a car at the airport provides greater flexibility, especially for exploring the Puglian countryside.
From Brindisi Airport: From Brindisi, visitors can take a bus or train to Ostuni or Bari, then connect to the regional line that serves Alberobello. Car hire is also a popular choice here, allowing travelers to follow the scenic coastal route along the Adriatic before heading inland to the trulli town.
For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Alberobello on Booking.com.
Getting to Alberobello by Train
Train connections: Alberobello is not located on a major national rail line but is served by the Ferrovie del Sud Est (FSE) regional network. Regular trains run from Bari Centrale, the region’s main transport hub, to Alberobello via Putignano and Noci. The journey typically takes around 1 hour and 40 minutes, offering a scenic ride through olive groves and rolling hills.
Stations: The main stop in town is Alberobello Station, located just a 10-minute walk from the historic center and the Rione Monti district. While services are reliable, trains can be slower than in other parts of Italy, so it’s wise to check schedules in advance.
Where trains run from: The most frequent connections originate from Bari, with additional routes available from Lecce and Taranto. Trains are modern, clean, and air-conditioned — perfect for travelers who prefer a relaxed, eco-friendly journey through Apulia’s countryside.
Use Omnio to easily compare schedules, book train tickets, and find the best prices all in one place for a hassle-free journey across Italy.
Getting to Alberobello by Car
Driving routes: Reaching Alberobello by car is straightforward and offers the greatest flexibility for exploring nearby towns like Locorotondo, Martina Franca, and Ostuni. From Bari, take the SS16 highway south toward Fasano, then follow signs inland to Alberobello via SP113 or SP134. From Brindisi, the SS16 northbound connects to Fasano, then onto Alberobello.
Parking: The town’s historic center is largely pedestrianized, but there are several paid parking areas just outside, including along Via Indipendenza and Largo Martellotta, within easy walking distance of the trulli zones.
Car rental: Rental agencies operate at both Bari and Brindisi airports, as well as in nearby cities. Driving allows visitors to combine Alberobello with a scenic road trip through the Itria Valley, one of the most beautiful regions in southern Italy.
If you are looking to rent a car in Italy I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.
Travelling around Alberobello
On foot: The best way to experience Alberobello is on foot. The compact layout of the town means you can explore Rione Monti, Aia Piccola, and all major landmarks in a single day without needing transport.
By bike or scooter: Renting an e-bike or scooter is a popular choice for exploring nearby countryside trails and villages such as Locorotondo or Cisternino.
Public transport: Local buses connect Alberobello with nearby towns, but schedules can be limited, especially on weekends. For flexibility, taxis or car rentals are recommended for day trips.
Guided tours: For travelers without a car, guided excursions from Bari, Matera, or Polignano a Mare are a convenient option, often including round-trip transport and local insights into Alberobello's UNESCO-listed trulli heritage.


