A DAY TRIP TO VISIT THE UNIQUE TRULLI HOUSES
If you are travelling the south-east part of Italy, be sure to go to the Puglia region and see the adorable white-washed, Trulli village of Alberobello. This historic neighbourhood will enchant you with the unique cone-shaped structures and peaceful setting. I took a guided day trip from the city of Bari to explore this delightful town and its national monuments, the trulli houses.
Have you heard of the trulli houses? Read on to find out more about these fascinating ancient rural homes found in the boot heel part of the country.
History of the Trulli
Dating from the mid 14th century, these unusual style homes were originally built as temporary housing for poor farmers and their livestock. Constructed from the limestone of the area, with a technique called drystone, meaning without using mortar. This allowed for the structures to be easily dismantled when needed, to avoid paying taxes to the government of Naples, that would send an inspector to collect money from residents, but would see only piles of rubble and no evidence of anyone living here.
The residents would then rebuild their trulli and go on as before, until the next time. This ingenious housing system continued until 1796 when Alberobello was officially declared a town.
The trulli were never intended to last for centuries and yet they have. Since the early 1900s, every effort has been made to preserve them into the future.
Now, ironically, it is illegal to deconstruct them, or build new ones. Repairs are carried out under the strictest of laws using the ancient building techniques.
Trulli today
More than 1,000 original trulli still exist in Alberobello today. No new ones have been built.
The town of Alberobello is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site and has a population of approximately 10,000 inhabitants.
Located about 50km from Bari, it has become a popular attraction for day trips and overnight stays. Thousands of people visit each year to see these cute hut-like houses.
Some of the structures are standalone, others are joined together. Many are now shops, bars, cafes and restaurants. There are also trulli which have been converted into villas.
It is interesting that quite a number of the trulli here are still inhabited by families from various generations.
One of the shop owners I spoke to said she had lived in that very home where she now sold souvenirs and housewares. She showed me where her bedroom had been when she lived there, and the kitchen, and enjoyed sharing the details. I was quite taken by this lovely lady.
When you enter inside a trulli house it’s like being in a fairytale. It has a low door, few windows, usually a round interior and a very cozy atmosphere. The central part of the roof is quite high and pointed, reflecting the outer shape. Many have a similar layout with 2 alcoves or rooms, and archways. They all used to have a fireplace inside.
Trulli were built with thick walls to retain the warmth in Winter and keep it cooler in Summer, and a domed roof crowned with a decorative shape atop the grey stones, a signature of the builder, il trullaro.
Mysterious symbols on the Trulli
Most of the buildings have white symbols painted on them which seem to represent something spiritual or astrological.
The exact meaning or purpose of these markings is unknown. They could be related to good health, protection from disease, prosperity, fertility, giving thanks to god, elements of nature, the planets or of historic significance.
Many have tried to interpret their meanings, but no one knows for sure. These symbols remain a bit of a mystery, but this just adds to the attraction and beguiling nature of Alberobello.
Places to see and things to do in Alberobello
- Stroll Largo Martellotta – the main street with the largest concentration of trulli houses.
- Visit Museo del Territorio – House Pezzola is a museum of the history of the area, with several trulli attached together.
- See Trullo Sovrano – the only 2 storey trullo, is also a museum.
- Go to Belvedere Santa Lucia – a viewing spot, up the stairs, for a breathtaking panorama of the area.
- See the Church of Saint Antonio – the only trulli church.
- Explore local crafts of the area – various trulli sell handmade local linen, clothing, jewellery and ceramics.
- Try local wine and food of the Puglia region – sample at some of the trulli bars and restaurants.
Finally
To avoid crowds, I suggest visiting off-peak, not in Summer, preferably early morning or evening.
Take a tour, as I did, or go it alone. Either way, spend time wandering the lanes and alleys and go inside some of the trulli, and chat with the locals, who are very welcoming.
You can even stay in one of the trulli houses, as many have been converted to small apartment/hotels or bed & breakfast places. You can expect a cosy and quiet stay, perfect for a night.
In the nearby countryside you will see scatterings of trulli that were still inhabited 50 years ago. You can also visit these and see their original state.
Enjoy your time exploring the trulli of Alberobello, a truly magical experience.
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17 Comments
I absolutely love this place! I was there about 2 years ago and Alberobello completely enchanted me. Those trulli houses are so unique and unlike anything else I’ve seen. It’s amazing how much history is behind them too. Such a special spot in Puglia!
I have never heard of this place before but it looks truly unique and a wonderful place to visit.
This is the first time I heard about the Trulli house and I think they are adorable and charming. It is amazing that these structures lasted long, and I am glad that they put an effort to preserve them. We hope to them up close and visit Alberobello in the future.
I have never heard of the Trulli houses, but they look so iconic in their own way. The shop being so full of colorful items with the outside being white and stark is so much fun.
I didn’t know about such houses in Italy, to me, visually, they looked somewhat like what we see in Greece, but the village pics are so beautiful. Will definitely like to visit it someday.
I hadn’t heard of the Trulli houses before but they are delightful and I would definitely love to visit them! I have added Puglia to my travel bucket list – thank you for sharing!
Puglia is next on my Italy bucket list. I’m glad that the trulki have been preserved, they are so cute!
Mysterious symbols?! I swear you could spend a million lifetimes and not see all of Italy. I didn’t even know some place like this existed in Puglia! Thank you for giving me one more destination to add to my bucket list!
The lengths people will go to in order to avoid paying taxes!
These Trulli are so cute and it’s definitely something I’m interested in visiting myself one day 🙂
Such a charming destination! Alberobello’s trulli houses remind us of the unique and authentic experiences we strive to offer in Morocco. From ancient architecture to cultural heritage, every place has its magic. just like our kasbahs and medinas!
Hello! I really like this part of Italy. Looks like it is always sunny & warm. Have you visited local beaches? Do you like them?
I haven’t visited the beaches in Puglia yet.
Lovely photos! Doesn’t that look somewhat like Greece?
Charming. Made me want to add to my list.
Love this place, good blog!
I did a 2 week hiking tour of Puglia in July which was the biggest mistake of my life. We roasted! But the region is a gem, I’d love to go back; this town is a fairytale!
Staying in one of the Trulli houses sounds like a wonderful way to immerse yourself in this experience.