In Pursuit of Pugliese Elegance: Carola Altamura's Journey from Trulli La Pietraia to Fragrance

Trulli La Pietraia and Carola fra I Trulli are two names resembling a magnificent geography: Puglia. Italian architect Carola Altamura, who recently renovated Trulli La Pietraia, a private villa available to rent, describes the happy summer days of her childhood and how this geography she was born in inspired a unique home fragrance collection: Carola fra I Trulli.

Nestled between the Adriatic Sea to the east and the Fortone River to the northwest, with the Otranto Strait and Taranto Bay to the south, Puglia is a postcard-perfect region. While it may not have the global fame of the Amalfi Coast, Puglia is unmatched in its display of untouched, picturesque, and historical villages that embody Italian tradition for centuries.

The Puglian countryside is a slice of heaven on earth, with vast olive groves and farm products typical of Italian masserias bringing ancient flavors to modern tables. Thus, Puglia remains a must-visit destination for those seeking the true Italian experience.

But the Italian dolce vita is not only about gastronomy or traditions; it's about savouring life. Italian creatives are continually inspired by this ethos; their culture, architecture, and daily life. Iconic Italian artists, designers, and musicians influence globally, showing the enduring power of Italian cultural prowess. The diverse architecture, color palettes, and regional cultures of Italy offer vast inspiration to those who grow up here, helping to perpetuate Italian art and talent.

Carola Altamura, an architect from Milan with a Mediterranean soul, embodies this spirit. With deep Apulian roots from her father's side and raised by her Apulian grandmother—a lover of flora and fauna—Carola's life is steeped in Italian beauty.

Now settled in Florence with her partner, Carola lives surrounded by Italian splendor, from her garden to her two beloved dogs. She appreciates the blend of Italian cultures, "united by an intense vitality and vibrant love for beauty," which she believes fosters openness and a zest for life.

Carola restored her family's ancestral home, Trulli La Pietraia, transforming it into a private accommodation available for rent from April to November. "Trulli La Pietraia was born in 2015 from the initiative to bring new life to the ancient family trulli, once used as agricultural shelters," Carola explains. This restoration project was carefully undertaken to preserve the earthy hues and natural textures of the surrounding countryside, ensuring a seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces.

Carola's memories of Puglia are vivid and joyful, recalling summers by the sea at her grandparents' home, filled with the scents of jasmine officinalis warmed by the sun, releasing unforgettable fragrances at dusk. These memories inspired her to create Carola fra I Trulli, a home fragrance brand that captures the essence of the Itria Valley, its flora, and its scents.

Carola fra I Trulli is more than just a fragrance line; it's a tribute to Puglia. Based on a design by Carola, the trullo, becomes an iconic object as a candle holder and diffuser holder, entirely handmade in small limited and numbered series by the Master Ceramist of Grottaglie Franco Fasano, reinterpreting the traditional Apulian macchiato technique in new chromatic variations. 

Conceived using only natural materials, the collection of ceramic trulli is completed with a selection of vegetal wax candles and glass diffusers both freely combinable that release refined olfactory bouquets. The debut fragrance, Fig Leaves, is a collaboration with a renowned French fragrance house, encapsulating the fresh, herbaceous scent of Puglia's fields after a sunny day. The packages are made of recycled cardboard and raw linen, to help preserve our environment through a conscious and sustainable design, respectful of the inseparable link between craftsmanship and territory.

Carola fra i Trulli intends to convey the emotion of a place, the Itria Valley, with its magical landscapes and scents. Carola is passionate about the power of fragrances to evoke memories and places. "I love the magic of candles—the dancing flame, its warm light, and the silky texture of vegetable wax," she says. Her aim with Carola fra I Trulli is to transport users to a Puglian summer under a fig tree, no matter where they are.

As Carola continues to draw inspiration from Puglia, plans to expand her fragrance line are in the works, promising to bring more of the Itria Valley's enchantment into homes worldwide. Meanwhile, Trulli La Pietraia remains a bastion of Puglian elegance, hosting unforgettable summer evenings that continue to inspire.

Carola Altamura is a true representative of the Mediterranean lifestyle and living. She enjoys taking long walks in nature with their dogs; gardening or going shopping at the local market on a sunny Saturday morning and cooking something good while listening to Benny Goodman. The beautiful scents nature has on offer to humankind remain close to her heart of course. “I love the fresh solarity of the white flowers, such as neroli, jasmine.”

As we imagine ourselves going on a warm holiday along the Puglian coast at the Trulli La Pietraia, there will certainly be an expansion of fragrances on the horizon for Carola fra I Trulli. “I would like to expand the collection of fragrances inspired by the native flora of the Itria Valley and its magical views, and to be able to transfer summery emotion into perfumes and much more.” All while Trulli La Pietraia, a spot where this idea is embodied, the real home of these lush fragrances, forever hosting unforgettable dinners at summer evenings, continuing to be a source of inspiration. This is a never-ending love story about Italy and Puglia.