Italy's Tax-Dodging Trulli Houses: A Charming History

Trulli Houses of Italy: A Charming History of Tax Evasion The picturesque Trulli houses of Alberobello, Italy, are renowned for their unique conical roofs. But these charming structures have a surprising history rooted in tax avoidance. In the past, taxes were levied only on permanent structures, prompting resourceful builders to construct homes that could be easily disassembled if tax collectors arrived. "You only had to pay taxes on permanent structures," explains Eric, the creator of the video "Tax Avoidant Homes." The easily removable dry-stone roofs allowed residents to evade these taxes. This ingenious method is not unique to Italy. The video also highlights the British window tax, which led to houses with unusually few windows, and a tax on ship decks which resulted in unusually small decks and many shipwrecks. The Trulli houses stand as a testament to human ingenuity in the face of economic hardship, a charming reminder of how tax laws can shape architecture and culture.