Casa d’Amore

Historic Building in Alberobello

Before the official recognition of Alberobello as a city in 1797 by King Ferdinand IV of Naples, the local Counts prohibited the construction of stable buildings, mandating that they be built only with dry stone. This was a strategic measure to avoid taxes on permanent structures. The D’Amore House marks the significant transition from an “unlawful” town to a royal one. As the Latin inscription on its walls declares, “First building erected from royal authority,” this house signifies a pivotal moment in Alberobello’s history.

Francesco D’Amore, the owner of this house, was the first citizen to build his house with mortar in Alberobello. Following this change, buildings and trulli began to be constructed using a mixture known as “malta,” which combined lime with a red local ground called “vuolo.” This particular cement can still be seen in many of the ancient buildings of Alberobello, visible between the stones and signifying the town’s architectural evolution.

The shift from dry stone to mortar construction reflects the broader changes in Alberobello’s status and building practices, moving from a state of imposed impermanence to one of recognized stability and growth. This transition allowed for more durable and permanent structures, further enriching the town’s architectural heritage.

The Casa d’Amore appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Alberobello!

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