Trullidea, albergo diffuso in the trulli

Trullidea is the way to sleep in a trullo right in the Rione Monti, Alberobello's World Heritage district. It is not a single-building hotel but an albergo diffuso: seven trulli spread through the streets of the district, with a shared reception on Via Monte Sabotino. It was opened in 1997 by Antonella Guido and Dino Barnaba, and was the first albergo diffuso in Apulia. According to the house, its trulli date from the 15th century.

The trulli

Each trullo bears a name in dialect that tells something about life in the past. The simplest, Cawce (“lime”), for 2 people and 22 m², and Pagghje (“straw”, from the mattresses of old), for 3 and 32 m², start from €160 a night. The mid-range ones, Finestrodde (“little window”), Casedde and Papanunn (“great-grandfather”), of 35 to 55 m² and for 2 to 4 people, from €180. The largest, Canèle and Tristidde, for 4 people and 40 or 50 m², from €280.

Inside they are like real trulli: thick whitewashed walls, few windows, domed ceilings and simple wooden furniture. They have wifi, heating and some have a fireplace for winter. They have no air conditioning: the stone walls keep the cool, but in August it can be hot. Some admit families of two adults and two children.

Breakfast and services

Breakfast, with products from local artisans, is served in the trullo or in a partner bar. The trulli are cleaned every day. They offer half board in partner restaurants in the town, airport transfers on request and hire of bikes, e-bikes and Segways. There is a free shuttle to the station, useful if you arrive without a car. Dogs of any size are admitted, also in the common areas. No smoking inside.

Getting there

Reception is at Via Monte Sabotino, 10, in the monumental trulli zone: they wait for you there to accompany you to your trullo. Check-in is from 14:00 to 20:30 and check-out from 8:30 to 10:30. From Bari, an hour by car heading south; without a car, Ferrovie del Sud Est train to Alberobello and the house shuttle.