Planning a trip to Italy and looking to try something a little different? Why not head outside of the crowded tourist areas of Italy and explore the city of Alberobello, a unique and beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site. William Bailey invites you to come with us as we take a closer look at this lesser known destination for travel in Italy.
Located in Puglia, a region at the top of the heal of Italy’s boot, Alberobello is both alien and appealing. Known for its iconic beehive shaped houses. A small dwelling built out of local limestone with dry stone falls and a characteristic conical roof, these unique dwellings look more like something out a story book than an actual destination. Dating back as far as the 14th century, they were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996, these unique structures were inscribed for their outstanding universal value and for surviving intact and functioning in the modern world.
A small community, home to roughly 11,000 residents, the city of Alberobello is gaining notoriety for travelers to this region of Italy. For this reason, there are certain areas of Alberobello which have gotten somewhat touristy however, they remain worth your time and a great place to begin exploring the area.
For most, a journey to Alberobello begins with just wandering around and getting an up-close and personal look at these ancient structures. In the area known as Rione Monti, you will have an opportunity to just be a tourist as this is the most tourist oriented area of Alberobello. Modern and beautiful, you will find plenty to eat, drink and buy while you are here. Other areas including the trulli district of Aia Piccola are much less touristy and offer a more “real” look at life in this ancient city.
Not far you will find the town’s museum called the Museo del Territorio. A structure made up of many trulli, it contains numerous displays telling more about agriculture, history and even building equipment unique to the area and its history as well.
Just one of thousands of small towns and unique destinations lesser-known to main-stream travelers, Italy is an amazing place to explore. The best part about travel is getting out and learning more about the world around you including not just its similarities but its many wonderful differences. Expand your mind, explore the world and find out what makes us not just different but what brings us together.
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