Trulli Apulia 01
Dating back centuries in some cases, trulli were generally constructed as temporary storehouses or permanent dwellings by small proprietors or agricultural laborers. While the first records of trulli being built in Puglia date from around the 14th century, their golden age was the 19th century, prompted by the development of vine growing. Most trullo houses have one room under each conical or domed roof, with additional living spaces in arched alcoves, while multi-roomed trullo houses combine several cones. Trulli were traditionally built from solid limestone blocks, which provided thick walls that helped keep the dwelling cool during the hot summers and warm during the cool, damp winters.
There are many theories, though none proven, about the origins of these unusual structures. One suggests that they were built as a tax-evasion tactic. The story goes that during the 17th century, the nobility imposed heavy taxes on any permanent structure so peasant families, unable to afford the tax burden, used a building method that meant their dwellings could be demolished at a moment’s notice. Because every other stone of the conical roof depended on the “key” stone to prevent the roof from caving in, the owner was able to demolish their house simply by pulling this one stone out.
Trulli Apulia 01
Dating back centuries in some cases, trulli were generally constructed as temporary storehouses or permanent dwellings by small proprietors or agricultural laborers. While the first records of trulli being built in Puglia date from around the 14th century, their golden age was the 19th century, prompted by the development of vine growing. Most trullo houses have one room under each conical or domed roof, with additional living spaces in arched alcoves, while multi-roomed trullo houses combine several cones. Trulli were traditionally built from solid limestone blocks, which provided thick walls that helped keep the dwelling cool during the hot summers and warm during the cool, damp winters.
There are many theories, though none proven, about the origins of these unusual structures. One suggests that they were built as a tax-evasion tactic. The story goes that during the 17th century, the nobility imposed heavy taxes on any permanent structure so peasant families, unable to afford the tax burden, used a building method that meant their dwellings could be demolished at a moment’s notice. Because every other stone of the conical roof depended on the “key” stone to prevent the roof from caving in, the owner was able to demolish their house simply by pulling this one stone out.