At an altitude of 2,800 meters above sea level stands the mysterious Buffa di Perrero, holding the title of the „loneliest house in the world“ and considered an unconventional tourist magnet in the picturesque Italian countryside.
This isolated building, located on the rugged slopes of the Italian Dolomites, has been uninhabited for a century, yet its allure persists.
Ascending the winding lines of the Dolomites at 2,800 meters in height, Buffa di Perrero reveals itself.
What remains mysterious, however, is the origin story of this uniquely positioned house.
Over the years, speculations have circulated about how workers who were supposed to work during World War I gained access to this challenging terrain to build a dwelling.
The enigmatic history of Buffa di Perrero is shrouded in legends.
According to local tradition, Italian soldiers built this hidden shelter to seek refuge from the weather and find safety during clashes with the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Constructed with brick walls, a sloping roof, four framed windows, and a row of camping chairs, the structure leaves many wondering how construction materials were transported to this remote location.
To overcome dangerous stretches of the path to the mini-structure, steel stairs and ropes were installed on the Via Ferrata, the „iron road.“
It is believed that soldiers from over a century ago built the cabin during World War I as a place of rest, shelter, and a strategic observation point against the approaching forces of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
During the global conflict along the Italian front, numerous similar „bivouacs“ emerged, as both armies fought on foot and bombarded the mountains with heavy artillery, triggering avalanches and causing tragedies like the infamous „White Friday“ on Mount Marmolada in December 1916.
Damage caused by the weather continues to pose a threat in the region, and according to the local newspaper Il Dolomiti, the cabin became „unusable“ for climbers after the roof collapsed.
How did this isolated structure gain fame?
Adventurers can catch a glimpse inside the mysterious house through the steel stairs, steps, and ropes fixed to the steep cliffs of the Via Ferrata.
However, the interior with gray wood may be disappointing, offering only a few white wooden chairs and little else.
The confined space with wooden decorations suggests that soldiers or modern explorers took the opportunity to relax, a logical choice, as some Dolomite routes can take about a week to traverse.
Inspired by this peculiar dwelling, the Italian Alpine Club (CAI) Auronzo has built a contemporary refuge near the Forcella Marmarole pass.
This modern refuge can accommodate up to 12 people and has been spectacularly positioned by a helicopter to give the impression of a descent from the mountain.
Adventurers willing to undertake a challenging five-hour journey, partly supported by a chairlift, can explore this spectacular refuge reminiscent of Buffa di Perrero.
Like every famous symbolic place, Buffa di Perrero has inspired imitations.
The Italian Alpine Club (CAI) Auronzo brought a modern refuge to the Forcella Marmarole pass by helicopter, requiring a strenuous five-hour hike to reach the seemingly tilted structure.
While it provides a look inside the mysterious building, the surrounding environment and panoramic views remain the main attractions of this remote location.