Chiesa di Sant'Antonio, Alberobello

Church in Alberobello

Perched proudly at the top of Alberobello's Monti district, the Church of Saint Anthony of Padua (Chiesa di Sant'Antonio) is one of the must-see places in Alberobello. Its unique trullo design - complete with conical roofs and a striking central dome - makes it unlike any other church in the world. Built in 1927, it reflects the town's deep devotion to both its religious heritage and its distinctive architectural identity. For visitors exploring the winding lanes of trulli, this church is both a spiritual and cultural highlight, a place where the sacred meets the traditional in perfect harmony.

The church stands at a symbolic crossroads between old and new Alberobello. When it was constructed, the town was evolving: while modern architecture began appearing in parts of Alberobello, the Monti district was already recognized as a national monument, preserving its trullo authenticity. By building Sant'Antonio entirely in the trullo style, the town reaffirmed its commitment to preserving its heritage - a declaration of identity that still resonates today.

History and Significance
Things to See and Do
How to Get There
Practical Information
Is Chiesa di Sant’Antonio Worth Visiting?
Nearby Attractions

History and Significance

The Church of Saint Anthony was designed in the early 20th century, a time when Alberobello's trulli were beginning to lose favor, often seen as outdated and impoverished dwellings. Its construction, however, reversed this perception by elevating the trullo style to a place of honor and reverence. Built in the shape of a Greek cross, the church features a central dome rising like a giant trullo cone, flanked by smaller domed chapels that mirror the clustered rooftops of the surrounding homes.

Within its stone walls, the church holds a peaceful, intimate atmosphere. The interior preserves the simplicity typical of trullo design - bare limestone, soft light, and minimal ornamentation - inviting quiet reflection. The building's creation within the strict heritage zone of the Monti district was both a tribute to local craftsmanship and a symbolic gesture of faith, ensuring that the town's architectural legacy continued into the modern era.

Things to See and Do

Visitors can admire the church's harmonious blend of rustic design and spiritual symbolism. The bell tower, shaped like a smaller trullo, is visible from across the district and serves as a visual landmark for orientation while exploring Alberobello. Inside, frescoes and altars are modest yet moving, echoing the humility of the local community that built it. The courtyard outside the church also offers wonderful views of the trulli rooftops below, making it an ideal spot for photographs. This spot is one of the best places to see in Alberobello, offering both a quiet retreat and a visual link to the town's iconic skyline.

How to Get There

Chiesa di Sant'Antonio is located at the top of Via Monte Pertica, in the heart of the Rione Monti district. From Piazza del Popolo, it's about a 10-minute uphill walk through Alberobello's charming lanes. The route itself is part of the experience - a scenic stroll lined with souvenir shops and small cafés. Parking is available near Largo Martellotta, from where you can easily reach the church on foot.

Practical Information

Best time to visit: Late afternoon or early evening for beautiful light on the white stone façade.
Entrance fee in Euros: Free.
Opening hours: Typically 9:00-18:00; check locally for Mass times.
How long to spend: 20-30 minutes.
Accessibility: Moderate; involves a gentle uphill walk through cobbled streets.
Facilities: Nearby cafés and rest areas available.
Photography tip: Capture the church framed by trulli rooftops for a perfect perspective.
Nearby food options: Enjoy local specialties such as orecchiette pasta or pasticciotti from trattorias near Largo Martellotta.

Is Chiesa di Sant’Antonio Worth Visiting?

Definitely. Chiesa di Sant'Antonio is one of the top attractions in Alberobello, not just for its rare architectural form but also for what it represents - the endurance of local identity through faith and design. It's a highlight of any walking tour of Alberobello and a peaceful reminder of the town's ability to honor its past while embracing the future.

Nearby Attractions

Belvedere Santa Lucia: The best panoramic viewpoint overlooking Alberobello’s trulli.
Trullo Sovrano: The only two-storey trullo in town, now a fascinating museum.
Rione Monti District: Alberobello’s main trulli quarter, filled with shops and cafés.
Aia Piccola: A quieter area of authentic, still-inhabited trulli.
Trullo Siamese: A dual-domed trullo with a captivating local legend.

With its serene spirit and unique architecture, Chiesa di Sant'Antonio is both a place of worship and a masterpiece of local craftsmanship - a great place to visit on a walking tour of Alberobello and a timeless symbol of the town's devotion to its heritage.

The Chiesa di Sant'Antonio appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Alberobello!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

Read our full story here

This website uses affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you!