Is Alberobello an architectural gem or a hype?
In any case, this village has also been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, like so many other places in Italy.
There are various theories as to why these typical houses were built in this way. One of them resonates with me because of its simplicity and logic.
While working their fields, the farmers regularly encountered rocks in the ground. Because they did not feel like moving them anywhere, they used them to build low walls around their land. As more stones were surfacing, they were stacked in circular shapes that served as shelters and stables. And what is the most practical way to put a roof on them? That’s right, stack flat stones to form a pointed roof. And that’s how a Trullo was born.
When you drive through Puglia, you can still spot them regularly in the fields. Some are still in use, others completely in ruins.
I like to repeat the question. Is Alberobello an architectural gem or a hype?
It is both, and the latter probably against its will.
It was extremely busy. We were lucky to be there outside the high season and on a weekday.
The Trulli are super cute and you wonder how people used to live there. Without all our modern facilities, electricity, gas, water and, above all, without all those Instagrammers with giraffe-neck long selfie sticks.
