Traveling throughout Italy is always an excellent source of inspiration for conscious travelers interested in the rich and diverse country's cultural and natural heritage. Visiting Italy, from north to south or rural to urban areas, recreates an authentic sensory experience only enhanced by travelers immersing in the past of their local communities from a present perspective.

For those travelers who want to relish an immersive experience in Puglia, staying in an authentic trullo will make the difference while exploring the region and discovering how some local communities lived several centuries ago.

The Puglia region, in the South of Italy, has one of the most remarkable histories in the country in the fields of architecture, art, and gastronomy, to mention a few.

One of Puglia's most beautiful and treasured villages is Alberobello, well-known for being home to the biggest collection of these traditional structures named trulli (plural of trullo).

WHAT IS A TRULLO?

A trullo is a dwelling characteristic of the southern Italian region of Puglia. Generally, it dates back to the mid-14th century and was constructed using a prehistoric dry-stone technique.

These traditional homes feature whitewashed walls built directly on rough-hewn limestone bedrock from nearby fields. Their original conical-shaped roofs, made of corbelled limestone bricks, have made them a landmark in Puglia and the Itria Valley.

REASONS TO STAY IN A TRULLO IN PUGLIA

Alberobello is one of the most prominent towns in Puglia. Its uniqueness is enhanced by the view of the iconic trulli, spread evenly across its gently sloping landscapes. Given their historical significance, the trulli of Alberobello were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.

The trulli are outstanding examples of traditional dry-stone building techniques in the region that have gone through the centuries and remain intact to a high degree. The architecture of the trulli is unique to Puglia and its cultural identity.

Staying in an original trullo will give travelers an exceptional sense of authenticity and an understanding of the historical value of these long-established constructions. They are seemingly simple in their design, form, and decoration but with all the comfort of the twenty-first century.

PAST AND PRESENT OF TRULLI

Although the trulli were constructed in their origins to provide temporary field refuges or as permanent homes for small landowners or farmers in former times, there is still a great deal of well-preserved and inhabited trulli in Puglia today. In the past years, the transformation of traditional trulli into guesthouses, or even luxury hotels, in Alberobello and the Itria Valley represented a challenge for regional tourism, which has notably increased.

The positive side is that it supports the preservation of the historic urban and architectural landscape in Puglia. Since restoration and maintenance works are subject to local legislation to prevent a potential loss of authenticity, it is prohibited to demolish, rebuild, add floors, or construct counterfeit trulli.

Nowadays, multiple trulli have been faithfully restored to their original state and operate as small hotels. The interiors have undergone minor alterations to make them habitable by modern standards while retaining all the charm and authenticity of ancient times.

Trulli are simple structures with small windows, usually one in each room, and a narrow doorway. Standard trulli feature a double bedroom, a small living area, a kitchen, a bathroom with a shower, a fireplace, and a private terrace. However, there are also more higher-level trulli that can accommodate larger families and feature extra amenities.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE BOOKING A TRULLO IN PUGLIA

Finding trulli in Puglia, thoughtfully restored to meet visitors' needs and comfort levels without compromising their authenticity, requires some prior research. There are many trulli accommodations in the village of Alberobello. However, the recommendation is to explore the countryside, where trulli are generally more authentic and offer additional amenities, such as swimming pools, surrounded by breathtaking and serene Puglian scenery.

Due to the high renovation costs of trulli to comply with local regulations, some hotels or guesthouses only slightly recondition trulli to make them suitable for travelers. Although guests can benefit from the lower prices of these types of trulli, it is still worthwhile to take a closer look at those with more elaborate interior design and details to provide extra comfort so that visitors can have a fully immersive Puglian experience.

Depending on the season, staying in a trullo in Puglia offers further advantages for travelers. Due to the unique construction materials, trulli are a fantastic option for hot days during the Italian summer, as the interiors remain consistently fresh and comfortable. In contrast, trulli must be well isolated to avoid the accumulation of humidity during the rainy season, which can be uncomfortable for some guests.

Overall, the iconic trulli are a more genuine alternative to traditional hotels and an excellent base for conscious travelers to experience an unforgettable way to discover Puglia and its distinctive cultural legacy.

Stay at the bed & breakfast Trulli del Bosco (pictures featured in this article) to boast a memorable trulli experience in the Puglian countryside.

Address: Contrada Cristi, Zona C, N°518. 70011 Alberobello.

Instagram: @trullidelbosco

WORDS AND PHOTOS BY: SENSORY TRAVEL

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