ATTRACTIONS
Sleeping in a trullo in Apulia, things to know
Visiting Apulia, especially in the summer, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful experiences one can have as a tourist in Italy. Between the crystal-clear sea, Salento and towns full of history, it could be really interesting to pop into Alberobello and visit the world-famous trulli.
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, these typical Apulian constructions were once used as temporary dwellings by local farmers, before being transformed into real homes and becoming one of the most important tourist attractions in Italy.
Perfect both in summer and winter, it might be useful to give some information about them, necessary for anyone wishing to visit this magical land.
Getty Images/Wikipedia.org
Sleeping in a trullo in Apulia, things to know
Visiting Apulia, especially during the summer, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful experiences one can have as a tourist in Italy. Between the crystal-clear sea, Salento and towns full of history, it could be really interesting to pop into Alberobello and visit the famous trulli. Elected a UNESCO World Heritage Site, these typical Apulian constructions were once used as temporary dwellings by local farmers before being transformed into real homes and becoming one of the most important tourist attractions in Italy. Perfect both in summer and winter, it might be useful to give some information about them, necessary for anyone wishing to visit this magical land.
The trulli of Alberobello (Italy)
For an experience completely immersed in nature, but without giving up the conveniences and comforts of modern life, you can consider visiting and sleeping inside the trulli, typical traditional constructions of Apulia, the heel of the Italian boot. Characteristic and evocative, these constructions tell centuries of popular history, of passions, quarrels and loves. They are places that cannot be found anywhere else in the world, and for this reason they are truly magical.
What is a trullo
Trulli were conceived as buildings of ancient peasants. From the outside, they look like white lime or living stone dwellings, with a gray cone-shaped roof. The walls, also obviously made of stone, are very wide and thick, so the trulli turn out to be cool in summer and warm in winter, practically perfect.
Di Pietroakastevo - Opera propria, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=710
UNESCO World Heritage since 1996
Despite their picturesque appearance, the trulli are not particularly ancient constructions. In fact, the earliest evidence of them only dates back to the 17th century. Their popularity and attractiveness to the public, as well as their historical significance, led to their recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.
Di Mfran22 - Opera propria, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=36817023
Brief Trulli history
According to records, ancient trulli were built by shepherds and peasants using stones. The inner room consisted of only one compartment and was used as a momentary shelter or a place used as a storage room for agricultural tools. Only later, they underwent an evolution and came to be conceived as houses, formed by only one room and other rooms considered as alcoves.
The timeline of Apulian trulli
We start from the mid-16th century, when there were about forty trulli in the area around the town of Monti. Then, around 1620, Alberobello experienced a real transformation, independent from the rest of the area, with these dwellings and about 3500 inhabitants moving into the area in the second half of the 18th century. In 1797, Alberobello gained the title of a town in its own right.
Sleeping in a trullo is a personal experience
Some features of the trulli are identical, such as vaulted ceilings and a cone-shaped roof. However, inside, the furnishings are from different eras, ranging from romantic places to live together with your partner to popular family places where you can feel at home. There are also trulli with mezzanines where up to six people can be accommodated.
Siamese trulli
Looking into the particularities of these constructions, we discovered that there are Siamese trulli. These consist of a double façade, double pinnacle and low hearth, and have no windows. Another curiosity about trulli is that the Sovrano trullo is the only one with two floors, while the white colour of the lime walls is a symbol of purity and whiteness.
The best way to get to the trulli
It would be a waste to arrive by car, so leave it parked and think no more about it. It will be wonderful to take an uphill route where you will be lined with trulli of various types and sizes. There are plenty of souvenir shops, restaurants and more to attract tourists and take home an object or souvenir of the visit.
One small caveat
The reality, however, is often very different from what you see in photos. Alberobello and the whole trulli area are particularly crowded places, and so if you are a person who likes peace and quiet, it is not really ideal. Also, prices in the area are slightly higher than the average for the region.
Attractions
15/06/2024
During a visit to Barcelona, among the many sights available, one cannot fail to pay a visit to Casa Battlò, perhaps the most unique residence in the world. In fact, its architecture is absolutely unique, and it is one of the most famous sights in Spain.
Entirely renovated at the beginning of the 20th century by the great architect Antoni Gaudi, it is located at number 43 Passeig de Gràcia and is considered one of the architect's most original creations. Since 2005, the house has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Since the 1990s, the building has been in the hands of its current owners, the Bernat family, who have completely reformed it.
Attractions
10/06/2024
The Colosseum in Rome, the ancient arena where jousts, gladiator fights and theatrical performances took place, is the most famous monument in Italy, the one that immediately comes to mind when talking about the Belpaese.
Its history and the legends surrounding this marvellous building, much changed over the centuries, are steeped in the soul of Italy, with its contradictions, its problems but also its beauty.
Despite being one of the world's most famous and well-known sights, without a doubt some things you will not know, and you will be surprised by the curiosities surrounding its stones.