At an elevation of 2,800 meters above sea level, the mysterious Buffa di Perrero rises, bearing the title of the “loneliest house in the world,” considered an unconventional tourist magnet in the picturesque landscape of Italy.
This isolated building, nestled on the rugged slopes of the Italian Dolomites, has remained uninhabited for a century, yet its allure endures.
Ascending the rocky contours of the Dolomites at 2,800 meters above sea level, the Buffa di Perrero is revealed.
However, the origin story of this peculiarly positioned house remains shrouded in mystery.
Over the years, speculation has abounded regarding how laborers, purportedly working during World War I, gained access to this challenging terrain to construct a dwelling there.
The perplexing tale of the Buffa di Perrero is steeped in legends.
According to local lore, Italian soldiers erected this hidden refuge to seek shelter from inclement weather and find refuge during conflicts 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 pondering how the building materials were transported to this remote location.
To navigate treacherous sections of the path to the mini-structure, steel ladders and ropes were affixed to the Via Ferrata, the “iron road.”
It is believed that over a century ago, soldiers during World War I erected the hut to have respite, lodging, and a strategic vantage point against encroaching forces of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Throughout the global conflict, numerous similar “bivouacs” sprung up along the Italian front, as both armies engaged in trench warfare and bombarded the mountains with heavy artillery, triggering avalanches and tragedies like the infamous “White Friday” at Monte Marmolada in December 1916.
Weather-related damage continues to pose a threat in the region, with reports from the local newspaper Il Dolomiti stating that the hut became “unusable” after the collapse of its roof.
How did this isolated structure gain fame?
Adventurers can catch a glimpse into the mysterious house via the steel ladders, rungs, and ropes affixed to steep cliffs of the Via Ferrata.
However, the gray wooden interior might be disappointing, offering only a few white wooden chairs and little else.
The cramped space with wooden adornments suggests that soldiers or modern explorers seized the opportunity to relax—a logical choice, as some Dolomite trails can take about a week to traverse.
Inspired by this peculiar abode, the Auronzo Cluba Alpino Italiano (CAI), overseeing hiking trails in the region, erected a contemporary shelter near the Forcella Marmarole Pass.
This modern shelter accommodates up to 12 people and was dramatically positioned by helicopter to create the illusion of descending down the mountain.
Adventurers willing to embark on a challenging five-hour journey, partly aided by a ski lift, can explore this spectacular shelter reminiscent of the Buffa di Perrero.
Like any well-known landmark, the Buffa di Perrero has inspired imitations.
The Auronzo Cluba Alpino Italiano (CAI) brought a modern shelter by helicopter to the Forcella Marmarole Pass, requiring a strenuous five-hour hike to reach the seemingly descending structure.
While providing insight into the mysterious building, the surroundings and panoramic views remain the main attractions of this remote location.
