Strap on your travel boots and grab your camera, because we’re embarking on a journey to Italy’s own Hobbiton — the Alberobello trulli houses in Puglia.
Here, the most precious “One Ring” you’ll need is the one topped with tomato, onion, and mozzarella. So, forget Frodo and Sam; you’re the main character in this tale, with a train ticket as your scroll and a pizza pugliese as your shield.
Ready to explore the whimsical town of Alberobello? Jump aboard the Trulli Express!
Image Credit: Getty Images, Stefan Cristian Cioata. Image Location: Alberobello, Apulia, Italy
Trulli — what are they?
Trulli, or trullo in a singular form, are quaint Apulian stone dwellings with a cone-like roof, looking like they popped straight out of a fairy tale. These structures are unique to the Puglia region and have been standing strong for centuries. Think of them as the Italian cousins of Hobbiton’s round-doored homes, only with a Mediterranean twist.
How are trulli houses built?
So the folklore is, back in the day, savvy locals started building their homes in a special way — called dry-stone walling — just to avoid paying taxes. They stacked up these big limestone rocks without any glue or mortar, so whenever tax collectors showed up, they could quickly pull the houses apart — no crib, no property charges! This method was not just good for dodging taxes; it made the houses really stable, too.
Why do trulli houses in Italy look like that?
Some of the most distinctive features of trulli houses are their keystones and those quirky cone-shaped roofs. The latter come with a special touch, like decorative peaks or symbols steeped in religious or mythological lore. These cone-like roofs are made from slim, flat stones called chiancarelle that help the inside of the house stay cool during hot days and warm when it’s cold. Pretty smart, huh?
Image Credit: Getty Images, Dave G Kelly. Image Location: Alberobello, Apulia, Italy
Where exactly are trulli houses located in Italy?
You can find trulli houses in the small town of Alberobello, in the Puglia region of Italy. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to over 1,500 trulli, offering a mesmerizing landscape that seems straight out of a storybook.
How to get to trulli houses by train?
Whether you’re traveling from Naples, Bari, or Rome, there’s a scenic route for everyone.
Getting to Alberobello from Naples
The coastal route
Board a train to Bari from Naples. This 4-hour journey offers breathtaking views of Italy’s coastline. In Bari, switch to a local train that will take you directly to Alberobello in about 1.5 hours.
Image Credit: Getty Images, franckreporter. Image Location: Alberobello, Apulia, Italy
How to travel from Rome to Alberobello
Through the heart of Italy
Take a train from Rome to Bari, which is around a 4-hour ride through the beautiful Italian countryside. Then, hop on a local train to Alberobello.
Hint: Since the journey from Italy’s major cities to Bari isn’t exactly a quick trip, consider chilling in Bari for a day or two. You won’t regret it! Bari’s got this cool, laid-back vibe, plus some must-sees like the stunning Basilica di San Nicola and the buzzing promenade of Lungomare. Oh, and don’t skip the old town, Bari Vecchia — it’s like a maze of history and awesome street food. Visiting Bari is the perfect warm-up before you head to Alberobello.
Train route to Alberobello from Bari
The short hop
Bari to Alberobello in Puglia is the quickest and most straightforward route. A direct local train will get you to your fairy-tale destination in around 1h 5m. If you don’t mind a quick stop, there’s also a route with a short change at Putignano.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Simone Gallo. Image Location: Alberobello, Apulia, Italy
Italy train travel tips
- Snag early deals. Book your tickets way ahead to land those wallet-friendly special offers. If your dates are flexible, you’re in for even sweeter savings!
- Choose off-peak times. Skip the crowds and opt for off-peak hours. Less hustle, more savings, and a peaceful journey to boot.
- Grab a rail pass. Planning a grand Italian tour by train? A rail pass is your shortcut to discounts and breezy travel across cities.
- Compare prices. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Let Trainline compare prices for you, ensuring you get top-notch deals without the fuss.
- Pick regional trains. Traveling on a budget? Trenitalia and Trenord’s regional trains are your go-to. They’re kind to your wallet, and the scenic views are a free bonus.
- Check timetables regularly. Train times in Italy can be tricky. Real-time updates on the Trainline app will help avoid any unwanted surprises.
- Book and validate. Secure your tickets in advance for the best spots. And remember, validating your ticket at the station is a must almost everywhere in Italy—don’t miss this important step.
Can you stay in trulli houses in Alberobello, Italy?
Absolutely, you can crash in a trullo in Alberobello! These quirky, cone-topped houses have been turned into unique little spots for visitors to stay. You can pick from cozy, old-school ones that feel like a step back in time, or go for the fancier versions with all the modern perks.
Image Credit: Getty Images, SimonSkafar. Image Location: Alberobello, Apulia, Italy
Are trulli houses found anywhere else in the world besides Italy?
Trulli houses are unique to the Puglia region in Italy, especially around Alberobello. You won’t find this specific style with their iconic conical roofs and dry-stone walls elsewhere. While you might spot similar building styles in other parts of the world, the authentic trulli experience, steeped in its own history and culture, is something you’ll only find in Apulia.
What to see in Alberobello, Italy?
This Apulian town boasts historic attractions like the Trullo Sovrano Museum, the Basilica of Saints Cosmas and Damian, Rione Monti, and Rione Aia Piccola. Trulli in Alberobello have been adapted for modern uses such as shops, hotels, and restaurants. You’ve gotta check out the Ristorante Trullo D’Oro — their local Apulian dishes with fresh, seasonal ingredients are amazing!
Catch a train to Alberobello to get a feeling that you’ve sneaked through a backdoor into a whole other world. Whether you’re starting your trip in Naples, Rome, or Bari, each journey has its flavor, but they all lead to a “trulli” one-of-a-kind adventure.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, maydays. Image Location: Alberobello, Apulia, Italy