Trulli

Trulli are widespread in this part of South Italy. They are small cylindrical, whitewashed buildings with conical roofs which taper to a point or sphere, the so called “Pinnacoli” made of hand carved stone.

The trulli are remarkable examples of mortar free construction. Because of their particular shape and use of materials they are warm in winter and cool in hot weather.

The cone roof is often adorned with a painted symbol. Their origin is unknown but they usually have a religious or astrological meaning.

The Valley of Itria

The valley of Itria is a gentle landscape covered with trulli. The plain is dominated by the hills on which are situated the cities of Locorotondo, Martina Franca, and Cisternino.

The landscape of this area, one of the zones which link the Ionian to the Adriatic Sea, is a gentle one with low-lying hills stretching out against a horizon free of any higher peaks.

The wide pastures covering the hills and plain are full of large farms rearing horses and donkeys. It was here in medieval times that the armies of Venice put their animals to pasture.