Alberobello
Welcome to Alberobello!
Hello everyone! Today we're talking about a wonderful city in Puglia, Alberobello. Also known as ''Iarubbèdde'' in the local dialect, this city is world-famous for its unique and beautiful Trulli, structures of spontaneous architecture.
The geographical location of Alberobello
Alberobello is located in the southeastern part of Bari, in Puglia. It's near the Valle d'Itria and the hills of the southeastern Murge of Bari. This location offers incredible views and breathtaking panoramas.
The history of Alberobello
One of the most interesting things about Alberobello is its history. The area was populated in the early 16th century thanks to the efforts of the Count of Conversano Acquaviva. It was he who introduced more than forty families of farmers to reclaim and cultivate the land in exchange for a tithe of the harvest.
The successor of the count, Giangirolamo II Acquaviva d'Aragona, known as the "Guercio delle Puglie", built an urban area next to his inn with a refectory, tavern, and oratory dedicated to the Madonna of Loreto and the Saints Cosmas and Damian.
The abundance of building material, especially limestone and karst, allowed the expansion of the city. The obligation to build houses only with dry-stone walls instead of using mortar, as required by the "Pragmatica de Baronibus", allowed the avoidance of paying tribute to the Spanish viceroy of the Kingdom of Naples.
The origin of the name Alberobello
The name of Alberobello was conjectured by Pietro Gioia, a historian from Noci, who thought that the name derived from "Silva alboris belli", meaning "forest of the tree of war". This theory, however, lacks documentary evidence.
Subsequent studies, on the other hand, highlight that Alberobello was originally known as "Silva Alborelli", as it appears in the investiture diploma of 1481, where it says "Silva Alborelli in provincia nostra Terra Bari". However, until the first half of the nineteenth century, alternative depositions of Arborebello or Albero Bello were also adopted.
The Trulli of Alberobello
What makes Alberobello unique is its spontaneous architecture. The Trulli are dry-stone houses, built without the use of mortar, that are found throughout the city. They were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996.
The Trulli have a cone-shaped roof and are decorated with Christian symbols such as crosses and angels. Many houses have a small garden with fruit trees and a well for water.
What to do in Alberobello
There are many activities to do in Alberobello. One of the main things to do is to visit the Trulli. There are also many shops selling pottery, books, and souvenirs made by locals.
If you're a food lover, you must try the local cuisine. Alberobello has numerous restaurants serving local specialties such as the famous "orecchiette" (handmade pasta in the shape of small ears), stuffed peppers, and buffalo mozzarella.
Conclusion
In summary, Alberobello is a unique and fascinating city. Its spontaneous architecture is one of the things that makes it special, and its history makes it even more interesting. If you're looking for a place to relax and enjoy breathtaking views, Alberobello is the right place for you.
