Trulli of Alberobello

Alberobello's 1,500 trulli houses, built without mortar using a dry-stone technique, showcase a prehistoric building tradition that outlasted many Roman structures, including Pompeii's public buildings. These conical-roofed huts, unique to the Itria Valley, feature roofs decorated with symbolic white symbols such as crosses and planets. The entire district of Rione Monti contains over 1,000 trulli, while the quieter Aia Piccola retains residential authenticity. Unlike Pompeii's frozen city, the trulli are still inhabited, with some converted into shops and restaurants that serve local orecchiette pasta. A typical trullo costs around €200 per square meter to restore—far cheaper than restoring Pompeian frescoes. Their longevity—some date back to the 14th century—demonstrates a sustainable building culture.