Alberobello celebrates 30 years on the UNESCO World Heritage List

Alberobello begins a program of events to mark the 30th anniversary of the Trulli's UNESCO inscription. The initiative, titled "Alberobello, 30 years looking to the future", is promoted by the Municipality with Regione Puglia, the Ministry of Culture and UNESCO.

Main events and schedule

The States General UNESCO series is designed as a multi-stakeholder dialogue on identity, heritage protection, urban regeneration and tourist management. Key events include:

• 27 May 2026 – Spring Session "Living Stone" at Largo Martellotta and Casa Alberobello: official opening (9:30), presentation of the Youth Management Plan and the launch of the "Ideas Workshop"; institutional speeches, creation of promotional materials and a concert by the AMA Music School.
• 28 July 2026 – Summer Session in the Town Hall focused on spontaneous urbanism; unveiling of the commemorative philatelic cancellation and tributes to Gianpiero De Santis.
• 29 July – 8 September 2026 – Summer cultural program: "Frame: visions by authors" exhibition (29 July), "Radici in Festa" and the Isabella Sgobba Prize (1 August), plus the Trulli da Cinema film series (28 July–8 September) and the Alberobello Short Film Fest (8 September).
• 3–6 December 2026 – Winter Session "Inhabited Landscapes": national UNESCO cities conference, workshops on trulli restoration, the "Mennella Labbate" restoration award and sessions on memory and future living.
• February 2027 – Closing event "The future written together" to summarize the year's activities (exact date to be confirmed).

Practical goals

• Strengthen shared governance of the UNESCO site by updating the Management Plan;
• Promote conservation and restoration practices compatible with the continued use of the trulli;
• Identify strategies for sustainable visitor flows and urban regeneration;
• Engage local communities, cultural operators and institutions in ongoing dialogue.

Useful information

Events will take place in key sites within the UNESCO area, such as Largo Martellotta, Casa Alberobello, the Town Hall and Casa d'Amore. To attend public sessions and exhibitions, check the official schedule published by the Municipality of Alberobello and updates from Regione Puglia for details on times and participation rules.

Why attend: the States General provide a concrete opportunity to follow heritage management decisions, contribute ideas and projects, and deepen knowledge of one of the Mediterranean's most important dry-stone architectural traditions.