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Visit Alberobello
Alberobello is located at 426 metres above sea level, on two hills at just over 20 kilometres from the Adriatic Sea (at the top of the 'heel' of Italy).
The key feature of the town consists of the "trulli" (a term that derives from the Greek "tholos" ("dome"), the typical shape of the buildings of local stone). Each “trullo” consists of a square central compartment, communicating through arcades with the kitchen and other rooms.
Your visit to Alberobello can start with the 'trulli' in a central area of the town between the “Aia Piccola” District and "Piazza del Popolo" - the fully restored group of trulli here can be visited by tourists, the oldest of which date back to the 18th century. The tallest and biggest trulli is the so-called 'Sovereign Trullo', the construction of which dates from the mid 18th century. It is a two storey building, located in a small square behind the Cathedral Church and, during the summer, plays host to cultural events and entertainments.
Truly unique and in some respects similar in shape to “trulli” is the Church of San Antonio. In 2004 the Church, in the form of a Greek cross, underwent a complete restoration. On a cruciform stands a 21 metre high dome in the shape of a “trullo”, which integrates perfectly with the surrounding buildings.
The town of Alberobello, very tied to ancient traditions, has developed a flourishing handicraft, especially related to the manufacture of iron and production of baskets in olive wood, and the production of a renowned wine and oil.
For those who love folklore, in Alberobello every year there are feasts linked to the town's history, such as that which takes place among the “Trulli” and recalling the liberation from the feudal servitude - in 1797, under a big tree next to the church, the town held its first Assembly where the first mayor was elected and at which it was decided to keep the old name "arboris belli", changing it in Alberobello, in tribute to the great oak tree (tree:arboris) below which they had gathered to gain their freedom.
The municipal coat of arms also recalls this event, with a large oak tree beneath which a Knight, armed with armour fights with a rampant lion (representing the feudalism). About the oak fly two doves, symbols of love and peace.
Alberobello cuisine
The surroundings of Alberobello are very charming and full of farms where we can enjoy not only the landscape, but also the local cuisine; here the supremacy, for both quantity and quality, goes to the hand-made pasta, produced in all formats, even the most curious, such as the “orecchiette”, “laganelle”, “lasagne”, “strascinate”. Among the first courses to enjoy stand out the "green" soup (with cabbage, celery, chard, fennel and pork broth), mashed Fava Beans and broad beans and chicory soup. The local breads are also excellent (taralli, buns, stuffed pizzas).
You can also enjoy the dairy products, especially the "manteche" and the “burrate”. Among the main dishes local to the region are the "gnemeridde", offal of lamb or kid, cut into strips and wrapped in a ball with guts, and finally the "turde 'n zulze" (thrush in jelly), cooked and preserved in dry white wine. The typical specialities of sweets are the so-called "pettole" (rustic fritters sweet Pasta dough), the "cartellate" (paste composed of flour, sugar, marsala, honey, cinnamon, oil and a little liquor, used at Christmas time) and the “amaretti”.
See also history of Alberobello.