Just read this great article from The Independent about Alberobello and the history of trulli. It supports my favourite theory of trulli that they were built so that they could easily be taken down when the tax inspector was due to visit, but this article has much more detail than I’ve seen before.
Also, I can’t argue with their view on the “tourist tat” in Alberobello, it really is in a class of its own. If you want a pink sparkling model trullo, this is the place to come. However, there are some quality retailers there. On a recent visit with friends we found Gino Minerva who owns a wonderful shop – Tholos - full of local specialities, beautifully packaged. Gino also has a traditional trullo over the road which is staged as a traditional family home, as well as arranging gastro tours and tastings. One of his tours includes a demonstration of mozzerella making. We’re looking forward to putting some special packages together for Trullo Solari guests with him.
