The Mysterious Origins of Trulli

Trulli (plural of Trullo), are traditional Apulian stone dwellings with conical roofs. Located almost exclusively in the countryside south of Bari, and particularly in the towns of Alberobello and Martina Franca (the main two locations where visitors come to look from close these domes); the origins of their unique construction style still remain unknown today.

While anything  is covered by a veil of mystery, the only certain fact about, is the simple way of construction and practicality - Trulli are cool in summer, warm in winter, cheap and easy to build. Strangely, similar constructions do not exist elsewhere around the Mediterranean, where both weather and the available materials are similar.

A Trullo is a remarkable example of drywall (mortar-less) construction. Unesco included Trulli in the World Heritage Sites List, as “…the site is of outstanding universal value being an exceptional example of a form of building construction deriving from prehistoric construction techniques that have survived intact and functioning into the modern world”.”

Atop a trullo’s cone there is normally a symbolic pinnacle, that may be one of many designs. Additionally, the cone itself may have a symbol painted on it. Such symbols may include planetary symbols, the cross, the malochio (evil eye), a heart, a star and crescent, or quite a few others.

According to a theory, the origins of these dwellings ought their roots in the skill of the locals. During the 15th century, Ferdinand I of Aragon has banned its nationals to build permanent residences in Apulia, whereas his labours should be avaliable to move in different locations at any time. Thus, Apulia’s residents built stone makeshift houses, without cement addition which could easily dismantle in the case the region rulers dictated them to move, or to avoid the law by this clever way when emperor’s auditors visited the region.

Another similar theory says, that these houses represent a clever form of evasion. Aragons had imposed a tax on all houses except those that were incomplete - as the villagers claimed by removing (and after re-placing later) the conical roofs of their houses.

These theories sound picturesque, but likely, the real origins of these structures could be even more interesting. The older dwellings date back in the 13th century although the majority of them are only 200 or 300 years old. Modern scholars found many common points in the construction technique between Trulli and some similar structures at Mycenae, similarity which reveals that if there is such a relation, the origins of these structures are 5000 years old. This theory has a base, as the ports of Apulia are closer to Greece than any other in Italy. Moreover, let us not to forget that Southern Italy and Sicily comprising “Magna Grecia” (Great Greece), while the area colonised be Greeks between 8th and 3rd century BC. Unfortunately this version does not explain why Trulli are geographically limited.

According to another theory, the construction style of Trulli is based on the standards of Syrian and Middle East residences; while the first Trulli were built in Apulia as houses or tombs of monks who settled there from the East. Later, the locals adopted the construction method, and adapted these structures to their daily needs. Another similar view claims that Trulli firstly built by soldiers returning to Apulia from the Holy Land Crusades.

In Almperompello you will have the opportunity to admire around 1000 Trulli. The name of this town, which means “Beautiful tree” (Silva Arboris Belli) derives by the oak forests once covered the area.

Keep in mind that it is most possible to meet many tourists around; so my tip is to visit Alberobello early in the morning before the invasion of the hordes. You will be rewarded by the stunning morning light and the calm atmosphere. (When it is possible try this tip in every heavy touristed destination, you will not regret for the couple of hours you may shorten your sleep.)

On the way to the neighbouring town of Martina Franka, you would be able to admire many Trulli in the countryside, and along the Itria valley from Martina Franka to Locorotondo. Despite its colourless surroundings, Martina Franca worths a visit for its baroque buildings and also for the great panoramic view that offers from the walls of the town to the countryside with the characteristic domes.

(All images by the author)

You can visit also:

Urbino the Picturesque

Herculaneum the Unknown

Bagheria: “Villa of the Monsters”

Palermo: The Capuchin Catacombs, the Museum of the Dead

Temple of Epicure Apollo

Theatre of Epidaurus: A Marvel of Acoustics