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Trulli in Puglia

Trulli are the most significant symbol of Puglia, a type of construction that fascinates for its uniqueness and beauty. These cone-shaped buildings, made with dry stones without the use of mortar, are a true architectural marvel and a testimony of the popular tradition of Puglia. Evidence of these constructions is the town of Alberobello, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996, precisely for the historical and cultural value of its trulli.

Trulli
Trulli of Alberobello ©batock via Canva

Origins and history of Trulli

The history of trulli dates back to ancient times, but their diffusion occurred above all in the 16th century. In this historical period, the Kingdom of Naples imposed the “Prammatica De Baronibus“, an edict that obliged local lords to pay a very heavy tribute for each newly built town. The owners of the land on which Alberobello stands, the Counts of Conversano D’Acquaviva D’Aragona, had no intention of paying and decided to force the farmers to build dry houses, that is, without glue between the stones so that they could be destroyed if necessary. The stones, in fact, were positioned without the use of mortar, so that the roofs could be removed in case of inspection.

Architectural features

The trulli are made of local limestone and are recognizable by their cone-shaped roofs, which make them easily recognizable even from afar. The shape of the roof is designed to withstand the summer heat of Puglia, with a design that allows the rooms to remain cool even during the hottest days.

Many trulli are decorated with religious or magical symbols, such as crosses, spirals and other signs, which were designed to protect the homes and the people who lived there. These symbols have a deep meaning in the popular culture of Puglia, linked to faith and traditional beliefs.

Alberobello
Trulli of Alberobello ©nicholasmoulds via Canva

Where to see trulli in Puglia

Trulli are particularly widespread in the Itria Valley, an area of ​​Puglia mainly included in the province of Brindisi, and the main places where you can admire them are:

  • Alberobello: The city of trulli par excellence, included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Here we find two districts: Rione Monti, the “commercial area” with over a thousand visible trulli, most of which are used as B&Bs, souvenir shops and restaurants and Rione Aia Piccola, the more “residential” but more authentic.
  • Locorotondo: Another fascinating town in the Itria Valley, where you can find trulli scattered among its hills.
  • Martina Franca: In the area of ​​this town, there are many trulli, which blend in with the splendid baroque architecture of the historic center. Many of these are private homes or used as B&Bs and/or farms.
  • Cisternino: This picturesque village also offers an enchanting view of the trulli that dot the surrounding countryside.
  • Fasano: In the rural area of ​​Fasano, trulli are still present in large numbers, and some historic masserie preserve them as part of their heritage.

If you intend to organize a trip to Puglia to admire these famous buildings, here are some itineraries specifically designed based on the days at your disposal.