Trullo, Alberobello

Trullo is the most famous landmark of Alberobello. This is how they call small white houses with a conical roof with a spire. They have very thick walls made of limestone, which helps to regulate the temperature inside the building. Another feature is that the buildings were erected without a strengthening mortar – only due to densely laid stones. Roofs were often painted with patterns and symbols, and the spire indicated the status of home owners and the level of skill of the builders. It is interesting that inside of the building, the ceiling has the shape of a dome. Trulli can have several roofs.

History

It is widely believed that the first trulli were built before our era. However, the earliest specimens that have been preserved to this days, date back to the late 17th century. Initially, these unusual buildings were used to store agricultural tools or as temporary shelters. However, later they were turned into a sophisticated way to evade taxes. The fact is that at the time when this territory belonged to the count Acquaviva, the tax was paid for each residential building. Thus, it was necessary to take measures to prevent Alberobello from being like the city.

Trulli are convenient in that they are very easily and quickly disassembled. In each building there is a special stone, when pulling out, the walls lose their support and crumble. Thus, before the arrival of tax inspectors, the apartment house instantly turned into a pile of cobblestones. This function remained valid until 1797, when Alberobello received the status of the city.

Interesting facts

Trulli can be found throughout Alberobello in considerable numbers. They hide even between the usual modern buildings. But most of all they are concentrated in such areas:

• Rione Monti is the most beloved part of the city for its stunning views. Trulli are located along several streets, winding the hill and descending along it. There are many shops, bars and cafés, some of which are right inside small white houses.
• Aya Piccola is a residential area of ​​the city. This is the place where you can walk between the trulli in which people really live, and feel yourself not as part of an exhibition for guests, but of a real original city.

Unusual buildings are used not only as housing, but also as premises for various institutions. Some of them deserve particular attention:

• The Church of San Antonio is on a raised platform and is a fairly large building that is designed in the style of the Trulli.
• City Museum or Museum of the Territory occupies more than 10 limestone houses. Among the exhibits you can see examples of agricultural and construction equipment, spiers from roofs, household items.

How to get there

Since Alberobello is located in the province of Bari, it is most convenient to get there from the provincial capital of the same name. From the central train station of Bari, there are direct trains to Alberobello. They depart about once an hour, and the journey will take about 1.5 hours. You can also take a bus.