Trulli are typical houses in Apulia, which originally belonged to farmers. They have existed for millennials, but only recently they've become a subject of interest and research. They've even been listed among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

In this article, you will find a brief guide on Trulli, their history, their usage, their structure, and their position.

What are Trulli houses?

Trulli houses are typical conical roofed homes, a sort of stone huts. Their name comes from the Ancient Greek τροῦλλος (trûllos), which can be translated as "dome", from their shape. It is believed that they are an improvement of thòlos, a conical-shaped tomb of prehistorical times. Despite this, the oldest Trullo house dates back to the XVI century and it is located in Murge.

They are mainly built of drystone without mortar and they mainly spread during 1600. They spread thanks to the Duke of Conversano, who encouraged farmers to build these buildings that were easily disassemblable. It was a way to evade taxes on new constructions that were imposed by the Spanish vice-king of the Kingdom of Naples.

The perimeter is bordered by a thick wall, which isolated the inside from warmth and cold. Lastly, the dome is a self-standing structure, and it does not need support.

The esoteric symbols on Trulli's rooftops

The rooftops were often decorated with esoteric symbols, both magic and propitiatory. Every home has its own symbol, which has a specific meaning. They can be divided into:

• Pagan
• Religious
• Magical
• Primitive
• Other, also known as grotesque

Among the pagan symbols, there are surely those related to the cult of animals, which was very popular in Ancient Rome. For example, the doge symbolizes loyalty and family, while the eagle represents the soul that rises to the sky.

With regard to religious symbols, there are mainly Christian and Jewish ones. Among the most common Christian ones, there is obviously the Cross, meanwhile among the Jewish ones, the seven-branched candelabra.

Zodiac signs, the sun, and the moon are related to magic symbols which have a propitiatory function.

Lastly, there are primitive symbols such as arrows and dots, and grotesque ones, which were designed according to the owner's desire.

Where can you find Trulli houses?

Trulli houses can be mainly found in Apulia, specifically in the Itria Valley, on the Murge plateau. This territory is a karst depression where you can find many olive trees and a huge presence of Mediterranean Scrub. It includes the towns of Alberobello, Martina Franca, Ceglie Messapica and many others.

Some of those are among Apulia's most beautiful Towns, like Alberobello. The town is dotted with these unique buildings, so much that the Trulli in Alberobello still preserve the original charm. While walking along its historical center, you will be brought back in time. There is one Trullo that is bigger than the others, with two floors: Trullo Sovrano. Nowadays, it has become a museum and it can be visited.

Many of the Trulli houses host nowadays artisan shops, where you can find many typical products, such as food and textile ones. The population of Alberobello is in fact known also for the long tradition in textile art. Moreover, you will obviously find also orecchiette, desserts, and excellent local wine.

Trulli houses are also located in the surrounding towns, such as Locorotondo, Cisternino, Ostuni, Francavilla Fontana, and many others. Moreover, in Polignano a Mare you will find some that are directly facing the coast.

The geological composition of this territory ensured that the building techniques could be transmitted from generation to generation for centuries. In fact, the local limestone is used for the buildings and it is very spread thanks to the matrix of Murge.

The usage of Trulli

Trulli were used for different purposes. They were born as farmers' homes, but they were also used as storage rooms for work tools.

As they only have one habitable floor, the whole structure develops on it. Beds are created from small niches, which were separated from the rest of the room by a curtain. Moreover, in many Trulli houses, there are wooden beams: they did not have a structural purpose, instead, they were used as hangers for stocks and food.

Lastly, since the building does not have many windows and there is not enough light, it's very common to find many mirrors: they make the room look bigger and brighter.

Sleeping in a Trullo house

During your holiday in Apulia, sleeping in a Trullo house can be a unique experience. In the Itria Valley, many Trulli are rented to tourists as holiday homes, you just have to find the right one!

The building is perfect for spending a holiday in tranquility, surrounded by olive trees and spectacular towns just some minute's walk distance. So, sleeping in a Trullo can make your stay in Apulia even more magical. Moreover, nowadays they have all the necessary to welcome and host tourists while keeping their original charm.

Apulia is one of the most fascinating regions in Italy, famous for its landscapes that are dotted with olive trees that stretch until the blue sea. The Itria Valley is the area with the most Trulli, as well as the place where some of the oldest traditions and most beautiful towns are. A Trullo house in the Apulian countryside will add value to your holiday and will let you stay in touch with nature.

Moreover, Apulia has a rich culinary traditions, with dishes like orecchiette, burrata, taralli and olive oil.

Discover our Trulli houses and our experiences in Apulia.

March 9th, 2022