Ostuni to Matera and Alberobello: Private day trip

While ‘new’, above-ground city was founded in the 3rd century BC by the Romans, the troglodyte city carved into the rocky ravine has been inhabited for the past 7000 years or so. In 1945, the cave dwellings earned international recognition when author Carlo Levi described the children, naked or in rags, ravaged by disease, concluding “I have never seen in all my life such a picture of poverty.” The Italian Prime Minister even visited in 1950, calling the living conditions “a national disgrace”. The inhabitants were forcibly relocated to the ‘new’ town, and for many, it was their first time seeing running water. Today, thanks to aid from the Italian government, UNESCO, and Hollywood, the caves have been refurbished, and are now home to thriving pubs, hotels, and airbnb listings. Above ground, the city’s home to several medieval monuments, such as the 13th century cathedral, and 16th century castle.

Trulli are a traditional style of house found only in Puglia. Made from local limestone, with thick walls and conical roofs, their design allows residents to control the interior temperature - an ingenious solution from the days before air conditioning. Founded in the 16th century, visitors can wander around the town, admiring the unique architectural style that dates back to pre-history. Several have been converted into museums or shops to further educate visitors about the tradition. The history behind Alberobello's settlement, and their choice of using Trulli is particularly humorous - the houses could be dismantled at a moment’s notice to fool the authorities into thinking Alberobello was not an inhabited settlement so locals could evade taxes.