The Trulli of Alberobello, Stone dwellings with conical roofs in Alberobello, Italy
The Trulli of Alberobello comprise roughly 1,600 limestone structures with thick walls and distinctive conical roofs scattered throughout the town. The two main districts, Rione Monti and Aia Piccola, form the core of this remarkable ensemble.
In the 14th century, local people built these structures without mortar to dismantle them quickly when tax collectors arrived in the area. This practical building method allowed them to protect their homes from seizure.
Each roof displays painted symbols representing family heritage, religious beliefs, or protection marks rooted in local tradition. These markings reveal how personal and spiritual identity mattered deeply to those living here.
Both districts are accessible on foot and offer guided tours in several languages. The terrain is generally walkable, though visitors should expect hilly ground and narrow, cobblestone streets.
The Trullo Sovrano stands as the only two-story building among all the single-story trulli and still displays furnishings from the 20th century. Its exceptionally thick walls of roughly 3 meters show how solidly this exceptional structure was built.
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