pugliauncovered

The unique Trulli, the dry stone buildings with unusual conical roofs that dot the Puglian landscape were first constructed by the local peasantry in the 13th Century, as simple dwellings perfectly suited to the climate of Puglia, cool in the summer and warm in the winter. The Trulli have evolved over the centuries, becoming larger and more sophisticated. Whilst many trulli had been abandoned, there has been in the recent past, a regeneration of the countryside with renewed interest in the trulli. Sympathetically renovated, trulli have become unique homes containing all the modern amenities expected in the 21st century, whilst retaining their unique rustic charm.

Their age and the theory of their existence are shrouded in mystery and suggest origins in ancient Grecian or Syrian times, possibly constructed by the Crusaders or Byzantines and there have even been suggestions that trulli were constructed in such a way as to  avoid the medieval tax system imposed. Alberobello, the capital of Trulli, has some 1500 examples of these unique dwellings. And is a "must see" on any tourist's itinerary.

Many owners still paint  the roofs of their trulli with ancient mythical symbols considered as protection but also upholding the traditions of the past.

The pinnacle itself served only to satisfy spiritual or personal needs of the builder-owner. Likewise the whitewashed symbols on the roofs had no physical function, but were usually related to non-material aspects of the occupants lifestyle, be that for mystical or divine protection of the household or solely  for individual aesthetic satisfaction.

Last update: 05-10-2009 16:35

Although we know it took years (almost eight of them) to finish rousting King George, the British army and its many bands of mercenaries from what were the 13 original English colonies, now the United States of America, we still think of July 4 as our independence day, as it was the date of the signing of our Declaration of Independence from the crown.  (See "Madness of King George").  Flags, banners, buntings, all red white and blue, are set out on every possible building and pole.

Last update: 04-07-2007 11:16

Some theories date the trulli back 5,000 years with historians noting a small nucleus of little circle based dwellings with conic tops composed of chiancerelle or calcareous rock, scattered about a woodland. These prototypes became typical of the sought after trulli that we see from Bari to Taranto and south towards the Itria Valley, today.

The village of Alberobello is home to a concentration of one thousand or more trulli in the historical town on a hilltop, amid olive, lemon and almond trees. The citys historical centre was declared an International Human Resource by the Unesco organisation.

Last update: 16-06-2007 11:15

According to the old Italian proverb, "Natale con I tuoi, Pasqua con chi vuoi" which roughly translates as "Christmas with your relatives, Easter with whomever you want". !! In other words a great excuse for a party with your favourite people. The cake shops will be full of delicious desserts and beautifully decorated eggs.

Last update: 23-02-2007 10:58