fairy tale buildings in Alberobello
Located some 30 miles south of Bari, picturesque Valle d’Itria features vineyards on the small slopes, almond trees and olive gardens with the old cottages hidden between the trees.
But somewhere between Martina Franca, Locorotondo and Putigniano the landscape is dominated by the small white buildings with cone-like stone roofs called Trulli.
In a small village Alberobello there are some 1000 of Trulli build mostly at the turning of 16th and 17th centuries.
The name trulli came probably from Greek tholos which means round, or cupola, or Latin turris – tower.
It is believed that at he end of 16th century the ancestors of present habitants came here and brought the strange design of small buildings.
Trulli have no windows, only some holes at the beginning of the roof, that allow a bit of sun to look inside. This dark interior means however cool place during Summer and relatively warm during the winter time.
What make them different from other clay buildings is the unusual roof made of loose brick. There are diminishing circles made of bricks, where each brick is put a bit closer to the middle,
no plaster or cement between. The brick circles make form of a cone and the last layer is topped with the bigger white decorative stone.
White runes, stars or semicircles painted on roof are to provide good luck for habitants. The shape of Trullo roof and the runes may have the origins in the pagan cult of sun, however
today have no such meanings, and one of the cones tops the tower of St.Anthony church.
Alberobello: The Trulli's Capital
From $: 75.00
This tour goes along the paved roads of ancient suburbs going from the Aia to the Trulli area, stretched out on seven hills.
[ photo courtesy of Elisabeth Thomsen]
