Thomas Bailey

Alberobello, Italy Travel Thomas Bailey

Alberobello, Italy Travel. Bari and Five other in One Guide. Puglia, Trulli, Matera, Polignano a Mare, Bari. The main attraction in Alberobello, Italy, is the trulli. There are two primary areas composed mostly of trulli: Rione Monti, a touristic district on a slope facing the modern town center; and Aia Piccola, a quieter residential district. Rione Monti attracts mostly tourists and is ultra-picturesque -both up-close and afar. For the best photo of the district, cross the main street, Largo Martellotta, and walk up the steps located behind the public parking lot. From the terrace to the right at the top of the steps is the perfect spot for viewing a sea of conical roofs. Among the narrow streets of Rione Monti, you will find many tchotchke shops selling colorful terracotta whistles (a favorite toy in Puglia, and very annoyingly loud!), ceramics, and everything under the sun shaped like a trullo. While walking the area is very enjoyable, the constant pleas from local vendors coercing you into their shop can be a little distracting. A few owners go so far to pitch signs luring you in with claims of having the 'oldest' trullo or a 'panoramic' view. If you can't resist, the cost (if any) is usually minimal to take a peak. A nice stop is in Enoteca Tholos (located on the main street), a wine store featuring Puglian wines and local products. The staff is very knowledgeable about their products and eager to offer free samples -enough to make up a small meal! While in Rione Monti, head up Via Monte Michele to Chiesa di Sant'Antonio, a 20th-century trullo church..