Luxury Holidays in the Trulli of Puglia. Their History

Few sights in Puglia are as emblematic as the distinctive trulli, those iconic cone-shaped structures scattered across the Valle d’Itria region. Although trulli are widespread throughout the Valle, the highest concentration of well-preserved examples of this architectural form is found in the town of Alberobello, in the districts of Monti and Aja Piccola. They generally served as temporary shelters or permanent homes for small landowners or agricultural workers.
Often considered integral to the region’s essence, these historic dwellings encapsulate the spirit of Puglia. The feeling one gets is that of stepping into an enchanted realm, where time appears to stand still and where humans have achieved a harmonious architectural blend with the natural surroundings.
In this article, we delve into the unique qualities of trulli, exploring their significance as part of one of the region’s renowned UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Trulli houses – what exactly is a Trullo and Trulli?

A trullo, known as trulli in plural form, represents a traditional stone dwelling characterized by its cone-shaped roof. These structures are indigenous to the Puglia region of Italy, particularly prominent in Valle d’Itria, where Alberobello stands amidst verdant landscapes of olive trees and vineyards.
Alberobello serves as the quintessential destination to witness trulli, boasting rows of these unique dwellings lining its meandering streets. Their whitewashed limestone exteriors shimmer under the Italian sunlight. The town harbors over 1,500 trulli, a sufficient number to warrant its UNESCO World Heritage Site status since 1996.
Featuring charming interiors, rustic stone craftsmanship, and an unmatched ambiance, Puglia’s trulli houses offer a distinctive retreat for travelers seeking a blend of luxury accommodations and rich cultural heritage.

What about their history?

The origin of the trulli is somewhat uncertain. Although they can be found throughout the Valle d’Itria, it is in Alberobello that we can see the highest concentration of trulli, which represent the ancient heart of the town itself. Some scholars consider them an evolution of the prehistoric “Tholos” constructions and believe that they were already present in the 14th century, but it is in the 1400s that their maximum expansion is recorded.

How were trulli built?

Trulli are constructed using a dry stone method, a technique with roots tracing back thousands of years throughout the Mediterranean region. This method is integral to the distinctiveness of trulli. Unlike conventional masonry, dry stone construction involves no mortar or cement. Instead, trulli builders meticulously selected rocks, including limestone from the local area and boulders from nearby, based on their weight and shape. These stones were then expertly arranged, each one supporting and being supported by the others, resulting in a sturdy structure.
This construction style reflects the resourcefulness of Puglia’s historical inhabitants, with the enduring presence of these conical roofs standing as a testament to the region’s rich past. Additionally, the dry stone construction offers excellent thermal insulation, ensuring that the interior of each trullo remains warm in winter and cool in summer.

Why were Trulli built?

In this historical period, indeed, the Kingdom of Naples imposed an edict that obliged local lords to pay a very heavy tribute for every newly constructed village. The owners of the territory on which Alberobello stands, the counts of Conversano D’Acquaviva D’Aragona, had no intention of paying and imposed their peasants to build dry-stone houses, that is, without mortar between the stones. In this way, the houses were considered “temporary,” because they could be easily “dismantled,” escaping the tax. Upon hearing the approach of tax collectors, early trulli inhabitants had the option to dismantle their roofs or even dismantle their entire houses. This allowed them to evade the burdensome property tax. Once the tax collectors had departed, they could effortlessly reconstruct their homes.
Here’s how the trulli of Alberobello were born, thanks to the abundance of local limestone, as well: round-shaped dwellings with a dome, simple but so much durable that we can still admire them today.

Cultural importance of the Trulli

This collective significance elevates the trulli of Alberobello to the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They serve as a magnet for tourists seeking genuine Italian encounters, enhancing the allure of luxury vacations in Puglia. Moreover, trulli symbolize a deep sense of local pride and cultural heritage, embodying traditional craftsmanship and often remarkable preservation, as recognized by UNESCO: ‘By virtue of the simplicity in design and construction of the trulli it has been possible to preserve their authentic form and decoration intact.’

The “Trullo Sovrano and the “Siamese Trullo”

Among the places of interest, why not to visit these two trulli, which truly deserve a special consideration?

The largest trullo in Alberobello, known as, is situated in Piazza Sacramento at 10/11. Standing at approximately 14 meters tall, it was officially named by Giuseppe Notarnicola in 1916. Constructed in the first half of the eighteenth century, it was commissioned by the affluent Perta family, led by the priest Cataldo Perta. The name is mentioned in a significant notarial document dated April 15, 1797. While the identity of the master builder remains unknown, the structure adheres closely to the ancient constraints set forth by Count Giangirolamo Acquaviva in the seventeenth century, employing unique construction techniques that render it the most advanced and admirable interpretation of trullo architecture.

The Siamese trullo is believed to be one of the oldest in Alberobello, with an epigraphic inscription on the portal suggesting a construction date back to the 1400s. While this claim raises doubts among historians, the trullo’s enduring popularity and unique features are undeniable. Its sturdy masonry structure, characterized by a circular perimeter and robust walls, suggests an ancient origin. The almost elliptical layout and construction on a protruding rock, enclosed by a buttress of large boulders, further emphasize its antiquit.

 

Trulli as luxury accommodation

Today, apart from serving as actual homes, or as small shops, cafes, and eateries, many have been converted into cozy luxury accommodations, offering guests the wonderful opportunity to experience staying in these charming little dwellings.