Introducing Murgia Plateau & Trulli Country
Between the Ionian and Adriatic coasts, rises the great limestone plateau of the Murgia (473m). It has a strange karst geology, the landscape riddled with holes and ravines through which small streams and rivers gurgle creating what is in effect a giant sponge. At the heart of the Murge lies the idyllic Valle d’Itria. Here you will begin to spot curious circular stone-built houses dotting the countryside, their roofs tapering up to a stubby and endearing point. These are trulli, Puglia’s unique rural architecture. It’s unclear why the architecture developed in this way; one popular story says that it was so the dry-stone constructions could be quickly dismantled, to avoid payment of building taxes.
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The rolling green valley is crisscrossed by dry-stone walls, vineyards, almond and olive groves and winding country lanes, and punctuated by the towns of Alberobello, Locorotondo, Cisternino, Martina Franca and Ostuni, each shimmering with charm. This is the part of Puglia most visited by foreign tourists and is the best served for hotels and luxury masserias. Around here also are many of Puglia’s self-catering villas; to find them, try websites such as www.tuscanynow.com, www.ownersdirect.co.uk, www.holidayhomesinitaly.co.uk, www.longtravel.co.uk, and www.trulliland.co.uk.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
