What to see in Alberobello in one day
Nestled amidst olive trees and vineyard valleys, Alberobello stands as an authentic gem in Italy’s enchanting region of Puglia. Stepping into this picturesque town, you’ll find yourself surrounded by a surreal sight: white houses and peculiar cone-shaped homes known as trulli, creating a captivating ambiance that whisks you back in time. As the only place where these unique structures exist, Alberobello is a testament to the region’s rich heritage. Exploring every corner of the city, meeting friendly locals, and delving into the history behind these adorable trulli is a must-do experience. So If you have one day to explore Alberobello, continue reading this article to discover the highlights and attractions you should not overlook when exploring Alberobello.
How to get to Alberobello
1. Plane
Fly into Bari or Brindisi airports, which have regular flights from the UK and Europe.
From Bari airport, you can travel to Alberobello by taking a train or renting a car.
2. Train
Take a train to Alberobello if you’re already in Italy.
From Rome, take a train to Bari, which takes about 4 hours.
Once in Bari, you can catch a train to Alberobello.
3. Bus
From Bari, you can take a bus to Alberobello. The bus stop is located across from Bari Train Station.
The bus journey takes approximately 1 hour.
4. Car
Renting a car is a convenient option to explore Alberobello and the surrounding areas. From Locorotondo it is 15 minutes, from Ostuni 45 minutes, from Polignano a Mare 35 minutes, from Monopoli 30 minutes, from Bari 1 hour and from Matera 1 hour and 15 minutes.
RENT A CAR Alberobello
The best way to experience Puglia and the surrounding area is to rent your own car! We recommend booking well in advance using price comparison sites like rental cars if traveling in the peak summer season.
What to do in Alberobello
Quick Facts about Alberobello
- Alberobello is located in the Apulia region of southern Italy.
- It is famous for its unique trulli houses which are a UNESCO World Heritage site and attract thousands of visitors each year.
- The town is divided into two main areas: Rione Monti and Rione Aia Piccola
- Alberobello’s trulli date back to the 14th century
- Alberobello is surrounded by picturesque countryside, dotted with olive groves and vineyards.
- The best time to visit Alberobello is during the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are smaller.
1. Visit Trullo Sovrano
Although situated on an uphill location in Alberobello, the Trullo Sovrano is considered the first must-visit attraction. It is the most striking building in the Rione Monti, characterized by its impressive cone shape. The term “Sovrano” translates to “King” or “Ruler of the Valley” in Italian, reflecting its massive size. Located behind the Church of Santi Medici Cosma e Damiano, the Trullo Sovrano is the only trullo in the village with two floors and now operates as a museum dedicated to the heritage of Alberobello and its surroundings. If you have an interest in Apulian architecture, a visit to the Trullo Sovrano is highly recommended.
Opening Hours And Ticket Price
November – March 10:00 AM – 12:45 PM / 3:30 PM – 6:00 PM
April – October 10:00 AM – 12:45 PM / 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Admission Single ticket €2.00
2. Visit the smallest trullo
The charming Trullos, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a significant highlight. One of the top recommendations for your Alberobello itinerary is to visit the tiniest Trullo, easily identifiable by the signage “Il Trullo più piccolo” displayed above its entrance.
3. Trullo Siamese
A visit to Alberobello would be incomplete without witnessing the iconic Trullo Siamese, known for its distinction as the only trullo with two interconnected domes. The trullo gained its popularity through a captivating tale involving two brothers who resided together and developed feelings for the same woman. To resolve the love triangle, the younger brother exercised his inheritance rights and ingeniously divided the trullo into two halves, each with its independent entrance.
4. Discover the serene beauty of the Church of Sant'Antonio
Among the notable sights in Alberobello, don’t miss the captivating Sant’Antonio Church, featuring a unique cone-shaped roof. Positioned on the outskirts of the Rione Monti district, this church, established in 1927, is an essential stop. Notably, it is the world’s sole church constructed in the characteristic trullo architectural style.
5. Seek out the Villa Comunale Belvedere
The Villa Comunale Belvedere in Alberobello is a hidden treasure that remains undiscovered by many. As you ascend from Rione Monti towards the charming Via Brigata Regina, you will encounter a small gate nestled amidst trees and souvenir shops. This gate serves as an entrance to the marvelous Villa Comunale Belvedere, acting as a portal to the secluded, white old town of Alberobello. This multi-level garden serves as a dividing line between the two districts of the historic center and provides one of the most breathtaking views of the city. From the terrace, a panoramic vista of the Monti district unfolds, showcasing its picturesque stairways, domes, and spires. If you desire a moment of respite, there are shaded areas aplenty to relax in, and you can quench your thirst at the small bar within the free park, known as “bar Villa Belvedere.”
6. Immerse yourself in the enchanting Rione Aia Piccola
For an authentic experience of living among the trulli, we recommend visiting the Rione Aia Piccola district in Alberobello. This less commercialized area is home to around 500 trulli and offers a glimpse into the lives of the local residents. Moreover, the district provides the best views of the clustered trulli patches in Alberobello. It is known as the oldest and most charming district, and features narrow alleys adorned with picturesque trulli. While Rione Monti is more popular, Rione Aia Piccola allows for a quieter and more intimate experience as most of the trulli here are private residences.
7. Engage with the welcoming locals and learn about the city's history and culture
One of the most enriching experiences in Alberobello is the opportunity to meet and interact with the friendly locals. Engaging with the residents provides a unique insight into the rich culture and history of the town. As you converse with the locals, you’ll discover fascinating stories and traditions passed down through generations. Whether it’s striking up a conversation at a local café, attending community events, or participating in a cooking class with a resident, meeting the locals is a wonderful way to learn about Alberobello from those who know it best. Their warmth, hospitality, and local knowledge create an authentic and memorable experience, immersing you in the true essence of this captivating Italian town.
8. Basilica dei Santi Cosma e Damiano
While many people tend to stick to the popular Trulli area in Alberobello, it is worth visiting the charming Basilica of Cosma and Damiano. This neoclassical church is a hidden gem and hosts an annual pilgrimage to honor the statue of St. Cosma. If you want to take a break from the tourist crowds, the Basilica offers a peaceful retreat.
9. Explore the captivating Rione Monti
To fully enjoy the charm of Alberobello’s trulli, it’s best to wander around the town and let your feet guide you. Rione Monti is the most historic area, boasting the largest and oldest concentration of trulli. While trulli can also be found scattered in the newer parts of the town, Rione Monti is where over 1,000 trulli can be explored, with some transformed into souvenir shops. It is recommended to visit this district earlier in the day and on weekdays, avoiding the busy tourist season in July and August. Although touristy, with gift shops lining the streets, it is undeniably beautiful. Embrace the serendipity of your journey, discovering tranquil alleys and picturesque spots off the main path.
While strolling through Rione Monti, shop owners may invite you inside, allowing you to witness the interior architecture of these unique buildings. Tourism plays a vital role in Alberobello’s economy, so consider supporting local businesses by purchasing something you like or finding a memorable souvenir.
What to eat and where
For a taste of the local cuisine in Alberobello, consider trying the Pasqualino, a popular dish available across the town. The Pasqualino sandwich, created by Pasquale Dell’Erba in 1966, features a combination of tuna fish, capers, salami, and cheese, all nestled between two slices of bread. This unique culinary creation has become a beloved local specialty, and you can find it offered in various establishments throughout Alberobello. Some of them are Focacceria “la Lira”, Panificio Profumi dal Ponte and Franco Girolamo Alimentari.
Indulge in the delightful world of gelato and treat your taste buds to an array of exquisite flavors at Arte Fredda Gelateria. From creamy classics to refreshing and innovative creations, this gelateria offers a tantalizing selection that is sure to satisfy your sweet cravings.
FAQs
Is Alberobello worth it?
Alberobello captivates visitors with its abundance of trulli and enchanting labyrinth of pedestrian streets. Despite its size, Alberobello is a must-visit destination, even for those on a quick road trip through the region. Spending a few hours exploring this town is highly recommended, as it has the potential to become one of your favorite places in Italy. Its uniqueness sets it apart, providing an experience unlike any other. Alberobello also serves as a convenient base for further exploration in the surrounding areas, offering additional enjoyable activities and attractions.
What is Alberobello famous for?
Alberobello is known for its captivating trulli houses, representing the traditional architectural style prevalent in the region. These distinctive, charming structures feature round shapes and are crowned with cone-shaped stone roofs. The streets of Alberobello are adorned with thousands of trulli, bestowing upon the town a whimsical ambiance that beckons visitors to wander and discover its enchanting allure.
How much time do you need in Alberobello?
While it’s possible to cover the essential sights of Alberobello in just one day, we suggest dedicating a minimum of 2-3 days to fully immerse yourself in the charm of this unique town. A leisurely exploration of Alberobello’s captivating attractions, such as Rione Monti and Rione Aia Piccola, can be accomplished within a couple of hours. However, by allowing yourself more time, you can delve deeper into the experience, visiting museums, capturing the town’s beauty through various perspectives, and savoring the ambiance at different moments of the day.
Is it worth spending the night in Alberobello?
For a more serene experience in Alberobello, the early morning is the ideal time to visit, offering a chance to explore the town before the arrival of day trippers. Alternatively, sunset and evening provide a quieter atmosphere with enchanting lighting, perfect for capturing the picturesque pastels of the sunset sky in your photographs.
Moreover, staying overnight in Alberobello offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the town’s charm. One of the highlights of your visit could be spending the night in a trullo, which is truly one of the best experiences Alberobello has to offer. By choosing to stay, you can enjoy the authenticity and ambiance of these traditional dwellings, creating lasting memories of your time in this enchanting town.
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