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Alberobello is the actual heart of the Valley of the Trulli and was founded in the fifteenth century by the counts of Acquaviva.

Alberobello is positioned between the provinces of Bari, Brindisi and Taranto. The Valley of the Trulli is made up of beautiful towns and villages such as Locorotondo, Martina Franca, Ostuni, Fasano, Cisternino and Ceglie Messapica.

Alberobello is a picturesque centre for agriculture and tourism and is largely made up of the trullo dwellings, of which there are approximately 1500 of varying types in Alberobello alone. These magnificent dwellings give a magical fairytale air to the town and also create a large amount of architectural interest. The image of the trullo house is always associated with the Apulian area, with Alberobello being the area which represents Apulia the most.

 

Alberobello, city of the trullo house, is situated on a rich and fertile area made up of limestone layers of rock, from which the stones originate which are used in the actual construction of the trullo, rendering the image of Alberobello and the surrounding areas, unique.

The origins of the trulli houses of Alberobello are connected to the abuse of power of the one time strongholders. At the beginning of the seventeenth century, the trulloes were not actually classified as inhabited dwellings and the farmers who resided within (attracted by the exemptions and concessions granted by the counts of Conversano) officially resulted to be living in the nearby village of Noci, guaranteeing the strong holders economical advantage and a higher degree of occupation within the area.

It is also possible to see the trulloes in the provinces of Bari, Brindisi and Taranto but the best examples are to be found in the town of Alberobello. Alberobello, since 1996, is included as a national monument and makes up a part of the World Cultural Heritage of UNESCO.

 

The history of the trulloes dates back to the 1500 bc when the Greek classical name referred to a dome upon a tomb known as the ‘Tesoro di Atreo’. Other references have been connected to the Greek-Byzantine ‘torullos’, which referred to the dome shaped hall of the imperial palace of Constantinople.

It is also thought that the name ‘trulloe’ is related to the the Latin name ‘turris’ (small tower) as well as other names deriving from words, such as ‘trulla’ and ‘trullum’.

The trulloes were the first type of dwelling to be able to keep cool in summer and warm in winter. The walls of the trulloes, as well as the conical shaped roof, are constructed using a type of ‘dry stone walling method’ the only support being chips of limestone. Air chambers form between the plugs which are capable of modifying changes in temperature. This phenomena in technical terms is known as ‘ passività’ and renders the trulloes capable of withstanding the impact of even the severest earthquakes.

A report, which discusses the passing of a hurricane through the area in 1897, states that all was wiped away but the trulloes.

The dome of the trullo is constructed without any supporting system, using only the stones, which are carefully laid one on top of the other in ever decreasing circles so as to arrive at the point of the cone itself.
The trullo builders created an ideal and versatile living environment which was intended for both man and animals. Upon an area of 30 metres, a fireplace, well, hay store, crop larder and work areas were organised.

 

For more info on how to rent a Trulli house or on our culinary tours in the Trulli area contact us at: info@stilemediterraneo.it or visit our website: http://www.stilemediterraneo.it/