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Historic neighborhood · Alberobello, Apúlia
Rione Monti
The trulli quarter of Alberobello, on the slope south of the center, with about 1,030 dry-stone houses and cone-shaped roofs. Together with Aia Piccola, it forms the ensemble recognized by UNESCO in 1996.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Rione Monti
Rione Monti is the best-known part of Alberobello: a slope covered by about 1,030 trulli, the limestone houses with cone-shaped roofs. The trulli were built without mortar, only with fitted stones, a very old Mediterranean technique. The quarter, together with Aia Piccola, forms the Trulli di Alberobello site, a UNESCO World Heritage since 1996.
According to tradition, the counts of Conversano, lords of the region, required dry-stone construction so that the buildings could be dismantled and thus avoid the taxes on new settlements charged by the Kingdom of Naples. In 1797 Alberobello ceased to be a fief and received from King Ferdinand IV the title of royal city.
The streets climb the slope between whitewashed walls and gray slab roofs, many with symbols painted in white and decorative pinnacles on top. Much of the Monti's trulli house craft shops, linen textiles, local products and accommodations. At the top of the quarter stands the church of Sant'Antonio, also in the form of a trullo.
On the other side of Largo Martellotta, the main street, is Aia Piccola, with about 590 trulli, most still used as homes and with far less commerce. From the viewpoint next to the church of Santa Lucia, in the center, you can see the whole Rione Monti.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1.5 to 2 hours for Monti and Aia Piccola.
Best time
Early in the morning or late afternoon, when the tour groups have already left. In summer and on weekends, midday is the busiest time.
How to get there
It's about a 10-minute walk from Alberobello station, going down to Largo Martellotta. Those arriving by car should leave it in the parking lots outside the center, which has a ZTL.
Tip
Many open trulli are shops that invite you to enter and climb to the terrace for the view: entrance is free, but there's no obligation to buy. Remember that Aia Piccola is a residential neighborhood: move quietly and respect the doors of the houses.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Rione Monti
What is a trullo?
It is a house of limestone built without mortar, with whitewashed walls and a conical roof made of overlapping stone slabs. It is typical of the Valle d'Itria in Apulia.
What's the difference between the Rione Monti and the Aia Piccola?
The Rione Monti has around 1,030 trulli and concentrates shops and tourist activity. The Aia Piccola, with about 590 trulli, is more residential and quiet.
Can you sleep in a trullo?
Yes. Several trulli in Alberobello and in the surrounding countryside operate as accommodations.
Do the symbols painted on the roofs have meaning?
Yes. They are religious, mythological or protective signs painted in white on the slabs, and the pinnacles on top were seen as the builder's mark or protection against bad luck.