Trulli stone homes are drawing strong interest in heat-affected southern Italy. These historic dry-stone structures with conical roofs, once symbols of a fading rural past across Puglia, now attract buyers seeking relief from intense summer temperatures. Puglia features dry terrain beyond its coast and groves, where heat can be severe, yet interiors of the centuries-old trulli stay markedly cooler. Restorer Francesco Fragnelli notes temperature differences of 7 to 15 degrees Celsius between inside and outside. Built from the mid-1300s using local limestone boulders cleared for farming, the single-room dwellings include alcoves for living and cooking. Their thick walls, up to three meters deep, enable the cooling effect by releasing stored moisture in summer and allowing hot air to rise through the roof. Many fell into neglect over time as repair skills faded and modern materials gained favor. Fragnelli, who started restoring in 1983, now works with family members on projects for local and foreign buyers turning trulli into vacation homes, including in UNESCO-listed Alberobello. Some serve as restaurants where owners highlight the natural coolness without air conditioning. Demand has grown recently, yet experts warn against incompatible repairs and urge new training programs for builders. With Europe facing repeated heat waves, the structures are viewed as models of bioclimatic design that could guide future resilient building methods.
