Rifugio Massimo Rinaldi, Mountain hut at Monte Terminillo, Italy
Rifugio Massimo Rinaldi is a mountain shelter located at 2,108 meters (6,916 feet) on Monte Terminillo, reached via CAI trail 401 from Pian de' Valli. The building features a distinctive red roof and provides dormitory accommodation for 14 guests.
The shelter was founded in 1901 when the Rome CAI section funded a wooden structure that was transported by mule to the mountain. The building was reconstructed in 1966 to accommodate the growing number of visitors.
Stone from four Franciscan shrines in the Reatina Valley - Greccio, Fonte Colombo, Poggio Bustone, and Foresta - was incorporated into the 1966 reconstruction. This connection to sacred sites gives the shelter a spiritual link to the valley's religious heritage.
The refuge welcomes visitors from June to September, with weekend openings available for groups by reservation. Meals are served on-site, so arriving early is wise since bed space is limited.
The original wooden structure received recognition at the 1900 Paris International Exposition before being transported to the mountain. This gave the shelter an unusual distinction of gaining international attention before it even became operational at its final location.
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