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Alberobello in Puglia, is known all over the world for the Trulli, white stone buildings recognizable by their cone-shaped roof, present in the hundreds in the neighborhood of Rione Monti. An extraordinary example of dry stone slab construction, dating back to prehistoric times and still used in this region. Although the trulli are scattered throughout the Itria Valley, the highest concentration of best preserved specimens of this architectural form is found in the town of Alberobello.
The origins of these bizarre buildings date back to ancient times when the Counts of Acquaviva, in exchange for immunity, decided to attract new colonists to their territory. Many arrived, most were people who fled their land because they had outstanding accounts with justice or because of debt. The Counts ordered the settlers to build dry houses to avoid real taxes.
The domination of the Acquaviva continued after several years, when some representatives of the community went to Taranto to confer with King Ferdinand IV of Bourbon making requests for autonomy and independence. On May 27, 1797 the King proclaimed Alberobello royal city, thus subtracting it from the Count’s dominion.
On the roofs of the buildings there are often inscriptions in white ash with a mythological or religious meaning, and end with a decorative pinnacle that was intended to drive away evil influences or bad luck.
Basilica Sanctuary Parish of Saints Medici Cosma and Damiano
The master church of Alberobello is dedicated to the saints Medici Cosma and Damiano, patrons of the town. To the Saints, Count Giangirolamo II was devoted to a grace received by his wife during pregnancy with which he gave birth to his firstborn son, Cosimo.
The current church, which has been renovated several times, has taken on its definitive connotation after the project by the local architect Antonio Curri and over time expanded and brought to its current splendor.
Parish Sanctuary of Sant’Antonio of Padua
At the top of the Monti district we find the singular trullo-shaped church. With the Greek cross plan, it has the typical roof of the trulli that we find in the dome, 21 meters high, and in the bell tower another 18.30 meters. Inside there is a relic of Sant’Antonio di Padova.
Alberobello is the only center in which an entire trulli district is grouped. For this feature it is considered the cultural capital of the trulli of the Itria Valley. Since 6 December 1996, Alberobello has been recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site.
Editor: Marcello Pitardi
Photographer: Marcello Pitardi
All photos are owned by © Marcello Pitardi
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