Medieval Trulli of Apulia: How 14th-century stone cones beat the heat

Inside an ancient trullo in Apulia, temperatures can run 15 degrees Celsius lower than outside. No air conditioning required—just medieval engineering.

Trulli are conical stone dwellings built in Apulia from the 14th century onwards. Their thick limestone walls, measuring 1.5 to 3 metres, slowly release moisture accumulated over winter, while hot air rises beneath the conical roof. The result: comfortable interiors even during peak summer heat.

For centuries, these structures were dismissed as relics of poverty and hardship. That has changed. Italians and foreigners now purchase trulli as holiday homes, whilst restaurateurs have opened establishments within them. Demand is rising, particularly as heat waves become more frequent.

Architects and scientists regard trulli as exemplars of bioclimatic architecture. Their construction principles could inform the design of modern buildings resilient to global warming. The challenge lies in the scarcity of craftspeople trained in traditional restoration methods—a new generation will need to be taught.

Source: The Local Italy