Immersed in the authentic beauty of central Apulia, the Itria Valley is a destination to visit at least once in a lifetime. This charming area stretches across the provinces of Bari, Brindisi, and Taranto, embracing the southern part of the Murge plateau. The Itria Valley enchants every visitor with its rural landscape, harmoniously blending with its characteristic conical buildings: the trulli.
Let’s discover which villages are not to be missed where to see trulli in the Itria Valley and be captivated by the history, culture, unique scents, and natural landscapes of the wonderful Apulia region.
Locorotondo
Located in the picturesque Itria Valley, Locorotondo is a gem of Apulian architecture, famous for its winding streets and the breathtaking views it offers. This charming town takes its name from its perfectly circular shape, derived from the Latin term “Locus Rotundus,” meaning round place. Here, the characteristic white-painted houses and small churches create a unique atmosphere of peace and serenity.
Locorotondo is a true treasure of beauty, where traditional Apulian architecture blends with the surrounding nature. The winding streets, often too narrow for cars, invite visitors to explore the village on foot, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the atmosphere. The distinctive cummerse, with their sloping roofs, stand next to traditional houses, creating a picturesque and charming scene.
The bright white urban landscape of Locorotondo opens onto breathtaking views of the Itria Valley, extending to the horizon and inviting contemplation and admiration of Apulia’s natural beauty.
Not far from this delightful village is the famous town of Alberobello, a must-visit if you want to admire ancient Apulian houses. But what to see in Alberobello? The town hosts over 400 trulli, all concentrated in the Aia district. In 1996, this district was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting its uniqueness and historical importance.
Walking through the streets of Alberobello, visitors can marvel at these peculiar Apulian structures before reaching the highlight of the visit: the Santa Lucia viewpoint, a unique spot offering a view of the entire Itria Valley, with its trulli and rural landscapes.
Locorotondo and nearby Alberobello form a perfect pair for those who wish to immerse themselves in the enchanting world of traditional Apulian architecture, with winding streets, trulli, and breathtaking views. Visiting these towns offers a unique experience that captures the soul of Apulia and its rich cultural heritage.
Martina Franca
Martina Franca is another small jewel of the Itria Valley, famous for its well-preserved historic center, characterized by cobbled streets and trulli overlooking small squares. This enchanting town is located in the province of Taranto, in the heart of the southern Murgia region, and is renowned for its charming historic center, rich in restaurants and cafes, as well as the Itria Valley Festival.
Besides the cobbled streets and well-preserved historic buildings, Martina Franca offers a unique opportunity to admire the famous Apulian trulli and the characteristic dry stone walls that once marked the boundaries of the landowners’ properties.
In Martina Franca, trulli are not only a testimony to a millennia-old history but also an integral part of the landscape and cultural identity of the region. These fascinating structures, with their unique and evocative appearance, continue to capture visitors’ imagination, making Martina Franca a must-see destination for anyone wishing to discover Apulia’s authentic beauty.
The surrounding countryside is also dotted with picturesque masserie, loved not only by locals but also by visitors from all over the world, who choose them as ideal locations for a pleasant stay, weddings, birthdays, and other special celebrations. The masserie are another hidden treasure of the region where to stay in Martina Franca, offering a unique opportunity to experience traditional Apulian life.
Ceglie Messapica
When searching for what to see in Apulia, another destination to consider is Ceglie Messapica, a village rich in history and tradition. Located in the province of Brindisi, Ceglie appears as a small labyrinth of cobbled streets, hidden courtyards, and picturesque squares, where ancient houses emerge as living testimonies of a fascinating and mysterious past.
Before reaching the heart of Ceglie Messapica, visitors can admire well-preserved trulli nestled in the countryside surrounding the town, many of which have been restored and converted into private homes or charming bed and breakfasts.
As you continue towards the town center, you reach the historic center, one of the highlights of this Salento town, closed to traffic to preserve the authentic atmosphere. This allows visitors to stroll peacefully through the streets, breathing the air of a bygone era. Here, elegant noble palaces, historic churches, and ancient squares can be admired, all surrounded by a picturesque countryside.
The local cuisine of Ceglie Messapica is renowned throughout the region. The town is famous for its traditional restaurants, where delicious dishes are prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
This village also offers guided tours to explore the history and culture of trulli, as well as local culinary traditions. In short, Ceglie Messapica is ideal for a relaxing and authentic visit, away from the crowds of more touristy locations.
Cisternino
The final must-see stop in the Itria Valley tour is Cisternino, a picturesque town hidden among Apulia’s hills and a true treasure of trulli and traditional flavors. Strolling through the cobbled streets of the village, visitors are surrounded by countless characteristic houses, offering a breathtaking visual experience and a feeling of stepping back in time.
One of the most authentic experiences that Cisternino offers, along with the other recommended towns, is the opportunity to stay in a restored trullo. Numerous local accommodations have transformed these ancient buildings into cozy lodgings, providing a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in local tradition.
This town in the Brindisi area is also famous for its extraordinary cuisine. Among the most celebrated dishes are the “bombette“, delicious meatballs stuffed with cheese and bacon, grilled to perfection. In addition to the meat rolls, orecchiette with turnip greens, Apulian extra virgin olive oil, local wine, and homemade liqueurs are unmissable.
The historic center of Cisternino is the perfect place to stroll and discover characteristic shops, cozy cafes, and small eateries where visitors can enjoy authentic Apulian delicacies. The main square, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele III, is the bustling heart of the town, where one can sit outdoors, enjoy a coffee or gelato, and observe local daily life.
