These famous markets are worth visiting at least once in your lifetime – some before they disappear
By Pamela Chow
They say the best way to immerse yourself in a new place is to live like a local.
Markets are the crossroads of cultures and communities, and a great place to experience interesting interactions often absent at typical tourist sites.
From quirky trinkets to wares from all over the region, markets are often both shopping streets as well as places of historical significance.
We take a look at some of the most iconic ones around the world.
The whole town of Alberobello is a ‘marketplace’ to explore, with each of these trullo huts housing things from handicraft stores to a church. (Photo: Trulli d’Alberobello / Flickr.com)
5. Italy: Alberobello
The shops of Alberobello don’t just make up any ordinary “market”. This is perhaps one of the loveliest marketplaces in the world, thanks to its unique trulli buildings. These dwellings are a type of historic building using drywall construction, and are made of limestone collected from the region.
In the 14th century, the trulli were introduced as easily dismantled homes for Alberobello settlers to evade taxes under the Kingdom of Naples, and to escape unruly lords. Today, other than handicraft and souvenir stores, the trulli also house bars, a museum, a church, an office of tourism and a Sanctuary of Holy Doctors.
Each trullo cone roof may have a symbol (often of Christian significance) painted on it and they are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Alberobello, Puglia
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