The Basilica Santuario dei Santi Cosma e Damiano is the main church of Alberobello. Even though the building of the basilica was begun in 1700, the structure was not entirely finished until 1966. In 1785, the relics of the two saints, who were twin brothers, were moved here from Rome. Brought to Alberobello at that time was an arm of San Cosma, and the cranium of San Damiano. Eight bas-reliefs decorate the bronze doors in the front of the church. Set in Piazza Antonio Curri, the basilica is a majestic sight, and worth taking the time to visit.
A plaque pays tribute to Pope John Paul II. Nearby, there is a bust of the Pope.
Alberobello has a train station, but at the time of our visit, there were no trains running along that particular line, because of track repairs. Apparently, people we spoke with said that the repairs had been going on for quite a while already. So, if you are planning to visit the city, even though you may see a train schedule for the town, know that, in reality, traveling by rail is not going to be an option!
The Casa d’Amore was the first building in Alberobello to actually be built with the use of mortar. Built by Francesco d’Amore for use as his family home, it dates from 1797. The building was declared a National Monument in 1930. Today, it houses a tourist office.
The Chiesetta Rettoria Oratorio della Madonna del Carmine is on Via Giuseppe Garibaldi.
A small plaque marked the house in which the writer and journalist, Piero Trevisani, was born.
We could not leave Alberobello without having another one of that delicious coffee, infused with hot pepper crème!
What began as a cloudy day, with rain threatening to pour down at any minute, turned into a glorious afternoon!
The Cimitero Monumentale dates from 1848, and the entrance was designed in the Egyptian style by Antonio Curri. The cemetery is found on Viale Notarnicola Giuseppe, Number 18.
For our last evening in Alberobello, we decided to attend a Fall Wine and Food Festival that was taking place in Piazza del Popolo. We had a wonderful time, tasting wine from different local wineries, as well as eating fresh, roasted chestnuts, sausage, and other wonderful delights, on top of which there was live entertainment and music, all evening long. It was a great way to end our time, in this enchanting little city.
Next up: We leave Alberobello, and head to the coastal city of Bari!
Note: This blog is written in English and Spanish, and the author takes no responsibility for the quality of any other translations that may appear. If you have enjoyed this post, please, check out our archives for more posts from Alberobello, as well as other Italian destinations. Grazie!