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A trullo is a traditional Apulian stone dwelling with a conical roof. The style of construction is specific to the Murge area of the Italian region of Apulia. They may be found in the towns of Alberobello.

A trullo is a traditional Apulian stone dwelling with a conical roof. The style of construction is specific to the Murge area of the Italian region of Apulia. They may be found in the towns of Alberobello.

Trulli were generally constructed as dwellings or storehouses. Traditionally they were built without any cement or mortar. This style of construction is also prevalent in the surrounding countryside where most of the fields are separated by dry-stone walls. The walls are very thick, providing a cool environment in hot weather and insulating against the cold in the winter.

The vast majority of trulli have one room under each conical roof: a multiroomed trullo house has many cones representing a room each. Children would sleep in alcoves made in the wall with curtains hung in front.


These very unusual circular stone roof features have a strange history where the people needed to be able to demolish the dwellings when the tax agent came looking for a property tax. Once he had gone the house was rebuilt for another year. Strange but true story.