Bivacco Cesare Mario Pelino
The place
Historic bivouac at the summit of Monte Amaro (2793 m), the highest point of the Majella massif and the second-highest summit of the Italian Apennines (Majella National Park, Abruzzo). Well known by the nickname "igloo rosso" (red igloo): a lightweight yet sturdy, helicopter-liftable geodesic metal dome, designed by the CAI Sulmona section after the destruction of the first Rifugio Vittorio Emanuele II in 1944 and of a bivouac swept away by a storm on New Year's Eve 1974. Built 1981-82, opened in 1982, dedicated to Cesare Mario Pelino, a young CAI member who died prematurely. 10 sleeping places, always open, no facilities — no water nearby, full self-sufficiency required. 2025 STATUS: the historic bivouac has been dismantled by CAI Sulmona volunteers to be replaced by a new structure funded by the Abruzzo Region and Majella National Park. Reconstruction and enhancement are planned.
Getting there
Summit of Monte Amaro (Majella); high-mountain ascent.
The setting
Monte Amaro 2793 m, Majella National Park, highest point of the Apennines.
