Situated in the remote Dolomite Mountains of Italy, there exists a house that has intrigued people for over a century. Known as Buffa di Perrero, this unique dwelling is nestled into the side of the mountain at an elevation of almost 9,000 feet.
The origins of this mysterious house date back to World War I when resourceful Italian soldiers constructed it as a shelter and storage facility during their battles against the Austro-Hungarians. Accessible only by rope ladders, makeshift cable carts, or a treacherous mountain trail, the house provided refuge from both the enemy and the harsh elements.
Today, intrepid explorers who embark on the Via Ferrata Ivano Dibona, a challenging mountaineering route, can catch a glimpse of this secluded abode. However, aside from its impressive architecture and breathtaking views, there is not much to see inside. The small wooden room is sparsely furnished with several white chairs, suggesting that the soldiers or modern adventurers who reached the house took the opportunity to rest.
Inspired by Buffa di Perrero, the Auronzo section of Club Alpino Italiano, an organization responsible for hiking trails in the area, constructed a contemporary shelter nearby. This new shelter, accessible via a ski lift and a strenuous five-hour trek, can accommodate up to 12 people. Its unique placement on the mountain gives the illusion of it cascading down the slopes.
The world’s loneliest house and its modern counterpart stand as testaments to the indomitable spirit of exploration and the allure of the Dolomite Mountains.
