Lying between two hills Alberobello welcomes its visitors with its fascinating architecture and fairy-land atmosphere. The town is divided into two areas (Rioni): Monti and Aia Piccolo, both national monuments and since 1996 recognized by UNESCO as a world-wide Heritage to Humanity.
Its history dates back to the XI century when a forest named Sylva Aut Nemus Belli was donated to the Bishop of Monopoli (a town close to Alberobello).  It is possible to find this denomination subsequently in a document belonging to Roberto D’Angio (reigning from 1309 t0 1343), in which he donates this territory to Martina Franca (a town close to Alberobello).
In 1481 Ferdinando of Arangon (King of Naples) gave the fief to Andrea Matteo Acquaviva, Count of Conversano,  showing a strong predilection for this territory which was rapidly populating with peasants in order to cultivate the land.
The Count of Conversano offered numerous advantages to the first inhabitants, but forbid them basic civil rights and the right to own property of any kind.  The peasant were allowed to live in the Forest but were strictly forbidden to build houses using lime according to the Prammatica De Baronibus which prohibited the barons to erect, without Royal authorization new towns.  In order to avoid this prohibition, the houses called casedde were built without the use of lime, only “stone on stone” ready to be pulled down in case of inspection.
Despite this prohibition, the Selva populated  and expanded, in 1609, as a result of a group of families demand, the Count of Conversano gave permission for the building of the first church.
Gian Girolamo Acquaviva (the Guercio of Puglia) was one of the most important characters in  the history ofAlberbello.  He more than others, contributed into introducing changes. In 1635 he had built a church dedicated to the Saints Cosima and Damiano, to whom he was devoted.
The local Counts then asked the King to apply the regulations of the Prgammatica, resulting,  that previous to the Royal Inspection the Count ordered the destruction of all the “casedde” in the area in one single night.  After the Royal Inspection needless to say, all the “casedde” where rebuilt, but
the inhabitants continued to live in fear of the absolute power of the Counts, until 1797, when, King Ferdinand IV was travelling through Apulia and a small courageous delegation from the Selva pleaded the cause of their fellow citizens and the King granted their request elevating the Selva to the Royal City of the Selva and therefore ending the absolute power of the Counts and consequently the end of the prohibition of using lime for building.

On the 22nd of June 1797 the first city assembly was held under a large tree flanking the church. The first Mayor was elected and the name for the town was chosen.  Alberbello represents the Selva, the Knight in armour (Freedom) fighting the Lion ( Feudality), on the Oakes two doves (Love and Peace) , all of these symbols are to be found on the town’s coat of arms.