This is one of my very favourite posts that I wrote for DesignTies a couple of years ago. If you remember it from back then, I hope you’ll enjoy visiting it again. And if this is your first time, I hope you’ll enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it :-)
Trulli (the plural form) are structures with gray stone cone-shaped roofs. They’re found in Bari and Tarano in the Puglia region of Italy. There are over 400 trulli in the town of Alberobello, considered to be the “trulli capital”.
The origin of these oddly shaped houses is unknown. Traditionally, trulli were built without any cement or mortar. One of the more popular theories is that because of high taxation on property, the people of Puglia created trulli so that they could be dismantled and moved out of sight when the taxman was in the area. Then they would put them back together once the taxman was gone.
Today, trulli have solid foundations. No hiding from the taxman anymore!! The stone used to build a trullo helps to keep the house cool in the hot Italian summer. The outside of the cone is built from chiancarelle (stone slabs) of different sizes that serve as roofing tiles.
As you can see in the pictures, there’s typically a pinnacoli (pinnacle) at the top of each trullo’s cone. The significance of the pinnacoli is still unclear. Some people believe it gives magic powers. Others believe it represents the family that lives in the trullo.
Sketches of pinnacoli (from www.alberobello.blogspot.com):
Many cones have symbols painted on them. The symbols are painted with lime. Legend has it that they were painted for magical or propitiatory rites. The meaning of some common symbols are to protect the family living in the trullo from the evil eye, the worship of some deity, and the hope for a good harvest.
From left to right are Primitive, Christian, and Magic symbols (from www.alberobello.blogspot.com):
Now let’s take a peek inside and look up some trulli cones…
Some pretty trulli exteriors…
The interior of a restored trullo might surprise you…
The trullo in the following pictures is Villa Santoro (featured on www.villapuglia.com). Villa Santoro recently underwent a complete renovation and rebuild by an Austrian designer and a Milanese architect team. It combines and retains the Trullo and Masseria styles typical and unique to the area. Many of the original trullo features have been maintained, including the original stonework and vaulted ceilings. The interior is clean and minimal, but the stone gives it character and warmth.
The bright & light interior…
The backyard isn’t too shabby either!!
Beautiful blue skies…
The sun is setting on Villa Santoro…
I hope you enjoyed visiting these trulli unique Italian houses as much as I did :-)
Don’t forget to enter my Fifi Flowers giveaway here, and sign up for Bake-N-Blog: Holiday Edition here.
Read about a trullo restoration here:
www.mmenterprises.co.uk/blog/labels/trulli.htm
Sources:
Truly, trulli unique - a little bee hive-esque even ! I would love to know if one was a B&B.
ReplyDeleteWow, I have never ever heard of a trullo!! How cute are these? I love that the inside shots you show are actually a lot more beautful than I thought they would be. It's neat to read about the meaning and history behind them too, that's totally up my alley! I love this post Kelly.
ReplyDeleteNancy xo
I remember it - and loved seeing it again. I want to go stay in one, now please!
ReplyDeleteWOW! This architecture is not only completely different than anything I have ever seen, but totally gorgeous as well...would love to visit Trullo one day.
ReplyDeleteI remember this post. These really are fascinating. I'm still mooning over the ones with the bright turquoise doors, just stunning. And the last one is fabulous. Love the interior, and the views are amazing. Kat
ReplyDeletewow! so much character with each home!! love this post, thanks for sharing! :)
ReplyDeleteI remember this post! Those homes are so cool!
ReplyDeleteVery, very interesting. I wish I had seen some of these during my trip...guess that means I have to go back! Love the interior shots very cosy, light and bright.
ReplyDeleteWow! I have been to Italy, but have never seen these! They are spectacular!
ReplyDeleteKelly, your post is so lovely. I have been in Italy so many times, even near to the area of Puglia but never found the time to visit these spectacular architectures. But there is still a chance - isn't it?
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love this kind of archaic architecture because it sends you back in time but with the comfortable attainments of today.
What is also so fascinating is that these houses look small from outside but aren't when you are inside.
Wow Kelly, thanks for sharing. Love the architecture, so unique. I have never seen it in any tour guides.
ReplyDeleteKinga
Wow!!! That is amazing! I had never heard of this! Thanks so much for posting!
ReplyDeletegorgeous. we are quite sold on puglia wines lately!! planning our "retirement" trip next september during the grape harvest and puglia is on the list.
ReplyDeleteLove the lore behind these trullo homes and your post is absolutely engaging and informative. As always, the photos you post are stunning. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful, interesting, gorgeous post!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeletexx
Greet
Just returned from Italy and missed an opportunity to visit Puglia. What a wonderful site showing the potential and beauty of a wonderful corner of Italy. Thank you very much.
ReplyDelete