Trullo Mirto

How would you describe Trullo Mirto in a nutshell?

Trullo Mirto rises vigorously and eternally in the heart of the Mediterranean biome. Wrapped by a thin layer of secular magic, it resembles a hermitage at the top of a hill. If you follow its white spire you will access a wide open space, perfect for relaxing and for romantic parties.

Under the shade of a wild black cherry tree, on a suspended chair, as our guest you will be rocked by the breeze while immersed in the book you brought with you; in the meantime, a banquet is laden with local products and delightful conversations under the pergola. In the background, a tune brings back precious memories, driven by the ever-present breeze, the charm of this place.

What’s your background and what was your inspiration for opening Trullo Mirto?

2006, a bumpy road with grass as tall as two metres, and pouring rain. Hidden in the olive trees. Big bushes of mastic, broom and wild lilies. Such a powerful appearance, full of beauty and majesty, a big ruin wearing years of history gently resting in its stones. Some kind of powerful energy. The classic ‘love at first sight’.

This is where our never-ending search for simplicity began, through genuine flavours, raw materials and stories from local people. At the same time, we discovered new characters, the trulli masons, whose hands store the art and limestone handed down through generations. They are heroes, whose armour is a hat protecting them from the sun. But it’s local people who make the real difference, with their truth, genuineness, without any prejudice, free.

How would you describe the atmosphere and the interior design of Trullo Mirto?

The design of Trullo Mirto is the result of the ideas of a graphic designer and a teacher, both lovers of beauty and keen on preserving such an ancient site. This “architecture without architects” was renovated with respect for the place, by using local materials and primordial techniques, with elements of design combined with antique and vintage furniture, gathered from lovely strolls down the surrounding markets. We opted for living rock walls to nourish one’s eyes. Every now and then, while sipping a glass of wine and looking up at the cones, I am just amazed. There is deliberately no TV at Trullo Mirto, only Wi-Fi.

To you personally, what is so special about Trullo Mirto?

What attracts me about Trullo Mirto is its charm, a magnetic force I felt since the very first moment. It has such a tangible and concrete beauty, which lies in its strategic position and in the organisation of its spaces, but also an invisible and spiritual beauty, only perceived with the time and the knowledge of its history.

Please tell us about the food.

Food is one of the reasons for visiting Puglia. Here, it is like an institution. You can very often come across mixtures of tradition and innovation, or unique and genuine street food. It’s impossible to list all the characteristic delicacies of the Puglian cuisine, but one thing is certain: wine and extra virgin olive oil are a common thread.

A slice of bread with some salt and olive oil is already a unique experience, not to mention all the dishes from chefs at the many inland restaurants, including places like Cisternino, Ceglie Messapica, Locorotondo, Martina Franca and Ostuni, and by the sea towards Savelletri and Monopoli. Everything is always accompanied by a glass of wine, the product of native vines, unique and rare ones only growing in the Itria Valley.

Not too far from Trullo Mirto, in the countryside, is a well-stocked mini-market where you can find all you need without having to travel to neighbouring villages. Every Friday evening many local festivals take place, with “panzerotti”, “polpette di pane”, “brasciole” (meat rolls in tomato sauce) and “bombette” (pork capocollo rolls stuffed with salt, pepper and Canestrato cheese).

Still around the Trullo Mirto, if you don’t fancy traveling, there are two delicious and very traditional trattorias and pizzerias.

Nevertheless, each village has its own little restaurants, typical or gourmet. At Trullo Mirto you will find a small guide for recommended sights and places, from beaches to restaurants, from markets to cafes where to spend lovely summer nights.

With regards to entertainment, the area is spoiled for choice. There are events every day: food related, such as the Ceglie Food Festival, music themed like the Viva Festival (electronic music), the Locus Festival (Black, R&B and Nu-Jazz), the Francavilla Jazz Festival, theatre, street performances, and cultural shows such as the Festival of Senses and the Itria Valley of Martina Franca Festival.

Is Trullo Mirto best suited for couples, families or groups? What’s your policy on kids?

For its quiet and intimacy, Trullo Mirto is more suitable for couples as it offers many relaxation, privacy and rest areas. Families with teenagers are welcome too, but there are no kids’ activities other than the swimming pool. Most of our guests come from a culture, design and architecture background. Apparently, ours is a creative place!