In the Italian Dolomites rises the mysterious Buffa di Perrero at 2,800 meters above sea level, holding the title of the “loneliest house in the world.”
Although the Buffa di Perrero has stood abandoned for a century, its allure persists.
The origin of this unusually placed house remains a mystery.
It is speculated that workers during World War I had access to this remote terrain to build accommodation there.
The history of Buffa di Perrero is surrounded by legends.
Local traditions state that Italian soldiers built the hidden refuge to seek shelter from adverse weather and to find refuge during conflicts with the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
The structure consists of brick walls, a sloping roof, four windows, and camping chairs, raising questions about the transportation of the building materials to this remote location.
Steel ladders and ropes were installed to overcome dangerous sections of the path and reach the mini-structure.
It is believed that soldiers during World War I erected the hut as a resting place and strategic vantage point against advancing forces of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
During World War I, numerous similar “bivouacs” were established along the Italian front as both armies engaged in trench warfare and bombarded the mountains with heavy artillery.
Weather-related damage continues to pose a threat, and reports state that the hut became “unusable” for mountaineers after its roof collapsed.
Adventurers can catch a glimpse into the mysterious house via steel ladders, rungs, and ropes.
The cramped space with wooden embellishments suggests that soldiers or modern explorers seized the opportunity to relax.
Inspired by this peculiar abode, the Auronzo Cluba Alpino Italiano (CAI) erected a contemporary shelter near the Forcella Marmarole Pass.
Adventurers willing to embark on a challenging five-hour journey can explore this spectacular refuge reminiscent of Buffa di Perrero.
As with any well-known landmark, Buffa di Perrero has inspired imitations.