Uncovering the Mystery of the World's Loneliest House

Can you imagine living in an isolated house, perched on the face of a rocky mountain? Astonishingly, about 100 years ago during the World War I, a house was built on Monte Cristallo in the Dolomite Mountains of Italy. Known as "The World's Loneliest House", it is completely isolated from all the noises and crowds one can think of in a city.

The original article about the house was first published in The Sun.

What does the house look like?

Buffa di Perrero, as the name of the house goes, is situated at a height of 9,000 feet above the sea level. Its location is unique, being constructed amid the reclining Dolomite mountain ranges. The house lies nestled at the rockface side of the mountains.

Now at present, the house has a slanted roof, brick walls and four framed windows with some camping white wooden chairs here and there. The overall structure is truly admiring, symbolising the brain and idea behind coming up with an incredible structure in such a secluded place. Especially at such a height up the mountains. If you manage to reach the house, you would be amazed to check out the breathtaking panoramic views around from the house.

The History behind the construction of the house

The house was build by the Italian soldiers as a place to rest and store their food and ammunitions while fighting against the Austro-Hungarians. The battle known as the White War took place between 23rd May 1915 and 3rd November 1918. Both sides went into an armed conflict, shelling the Dolomites and causing avalanches. Italian soldiers selected the spot in the Monte Cristallo mountain for their strategic advantage against their enemies. They used the house to position themselves and track down their enemies from distance.

A Travellers' peek into the route to the house

It is truly a mystery as to how the materials were carried over to such a rocky terrain to construct the house. Inquisitive travellers and adventure lovers must surely try accessing the spot and try to find out the amazing structural beauty of the house. It is believed that the house must have been accessed only by makeshift cable carts or rope ladders. Climbing to such a perilous and precarious mountain trail truly demand brave-hearts and strong-willed people. It requires good amount of fitness to access the pathway which is part of the Via Ferrata Ivano Dibona; a highly challenging route along the Dolomite mountain range.

How to quench your adventurous mind?

Well, there are some thrilling opportunities to explore for people loving adventure and action-packed feats. Club Alpino Italiano have created a contemporary shelter similar to that of the house. The shelter, named Bivouac Fanton, can accommodate almost 12 people and it is present by the Forcella Marmarole pass. This provision has helped many travellers who go for long treks along the Dolomites. Sometimes it takes almost a week to walk across the trails, so a resting place is always relaxing.

The group conducts several hiking trails along the region. Interested adventure enthusiasts and trekkers can opt for a ski lift mid way in the trail. And then start for the enervating trek towards the house. The total trekking time is almost five hours.

The pathway along the Via Ferrata Ivano Dibona route has cables, rungs and steel ladders fitted throughout. Those act as a support for the mountaineers and trekkers for travelling across the tough sections of the route.

To conclude, though the views from Buffa di Perrero is not super gorgeous. Yet if you are an ardent lover of thrill, challenge and adventure, then you will surely be enticed by the tough terrains to test your skills.

Ready to travel for free? Earn credits and redeem them on Tripoto’s weekend getaways, hotel stays and vacation packages!