Trullo Sovrano was constructed for a priest by his wealthy family and has served several purposes over the years. It has been a home, a chapel and the seat of a religious brotherhood. During the late 19th century, the relics of two saints were held here for several years. Today, it is open to the public.Visit this fascinating site for insights into what it would be like to live in a traditional building of Italy's Puglia region.
Learn about the architecture of the traditional trullo. A trullo is a white-washed cone-roofed house, made entirely from limestone. There are more than 1,000 dotted throughout the town of Alberobello and they are made using a building technique that dates back to prehistoric times.
Trullo Sovrano was constructed during the first half of the 18th century. It is the largest trullo in Alberobello and is the only one with a raised floor. This is a trulli building on a grand scale, and its main dome is 46 feet (14 meters) off the ground. Wander through the rooms, some of which are decorated with period furniture. They also feature information boards with English translations.
Go into the dining room, notable for its large fireplace. This is the oldest part of the complex. Visit the bedroom, the smallest room in the trulli. There are two niches in the wall in which a priest who lived here in the 19th century kept a chalice and other sacred objects.
Climb up the 23 stairs, an unusual feature for a trulli. This upper level was used as a guest bedroom and as a space for women of the town to do weaving. Among the other rooms you will see are the main kitchen and the secondary kitchen.
The house is situated in Alberobello behind the Basilica of Saints Cosmas and Damian. It is an easy walk from many parts of the small town. Trullo Sovrano is open daily and has a small entry fee. Children under the age of 12 receive a discount on admission.
