According to tradition, in 1620 the trulli houses became urban residences; for the first time Alberobello experimented a serious population increase, tanks to Giangirolamo (Jean Jerome) Acquaviva of Aragon, also known as the Apulian "guercio" (cross-eyed), who inherited the title of Earl of Conversano. He encouraged the peasants to settle near Silva Arboris, by granting them a piece of land and occasionally some tax relief. The Earl wanted to enlarge his domain without falling under the...