Rifugio Pelizzo
on Mount Matajùr
- Savogna (UD)
- 1320 m
- Winter/Summer
About this place
The Pelizzo refuge is located at an elevation of 1320 m, a short distance from the summit of Mount Matajùr, the symbol of the Natisone Valleys. The conical silhouette of this mountain is recognized throughout the Friulian plain, standing isolated among other peaks, and it is amazing to be able to reach its summit in only a 45-minute walk from the refuge. The Pelizzo changed management in 2022 and is in the process of revamping its appearance with several innovations and the addition of a kiosk on the large sun terrace, where you can eat a good sausage sandwich accompanied by a beer. The refuge can be easily reached by car, or on foot from the hamlet of Mersino by proceeding through woods and meadows.
Previous
Next
Why visit it
01.
Panorama from the Matajùr
One of the many strengths of this refuge is the easy access to the summit of Mount Matajùr, from which to admire the enchanting panorama of the Friulian peaks on one side and the plain on the other.
02.
You arrive by car
The refuge is easily accessible by car via a convenient paved road. The road does not have any disconnections or travel difficulties, however, in the colder months, there is a possibility of finding ice.
03.
The new management
With the recent change in management, a number of changes are being made to the Pelizzo hut from January 2022, including the much-appreciated kiosk on the viewing terrace, which is open until the evening, when it is lit up with lots of little lights.
Landscape
The Pelizzo refuge rises to crown a wide clearing in the frame of the Julian Pre-Alps, on the southern slope of Mt. Matajùr. The panoramic terrace overlooks the Friulian plain and the view stretches to the Adriatic Sea. A multitude of routes depart from the refuge, all of which are well marked. Climbing to the top of Matajùr, in about 45 minutes, the visible peaks are also clearly marked by explanatory plaques, strategically placed so as not to disturb the view.
Itineraries and routes
Several CAI trails branch off from the Pelizzo refuge, all well-marked and with the possibility of trying different lengths or degrees of difficulty. The best known are: the Matajùr ring (passing through the astronomical observatory and the refuge with bivouac Dom Na Matajure), the Mersino malghe bivouac, the Alta Via delle Valli del Natisone, and the Italia trail. The managers are knowledgeable about the area, and it is advisable to contact them for information on the feasibility and difficulties that may be encountered on the various routes.
Of all these possibilities, it goes without saying to make the most classic hike, which is the ascent to the summit of Mount Matajùr. The Pelizzo refuge, in fact, is located on the grassy slopes of the mountain, and the summit can be reached in only 45 minutes. From here, the view is unparalleled and, thanks to the absence of trees, the view sweeps 360 degrees.
Services
The Pelizzo shelter has a dining area with 120 seats inside. There is also a sun-exposed kiosk on the terrace, and tables and benches on which to eat. As in all true refuges, although located at low altitude, there is no table service outside at the Pelizzo, but patrons can bring their own food ordered inside and dine outside.
The shelter also offers overnight accommodations with 24 beds divided between dormitory and dormitory rooms. Showers are equipped with hot water.
Opening period
The Pelizzo can be visited year-round, but daily openings are constrained by weather conditions and seasons. Also, at certain times, the lodge is only open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. This information is approximate, consequently it is advisable to contact the lodge to verify the actual opening and the need for any reservations.
Mount Matajùr
- Height: 1641 m
- Departure: Pelizzo refuge
- Height difference: 300 m
- Duration: 45 min.
The pyramidal silhouette of Mount Matajùr is visible from across the Friulian plain, and one would hardly imagine the ease in reaching it on foot from the Pelizzo refuge.
In fact, this hike is suitable for everyone because the 300 m of elevation gain makes it possible to reach the summit of Mt. 1641 m in about 45 minutes. Reaching the top is the small church of Christ the Redeemer and a panorama that is sharply divided: on one side over the Friulian plain to the sea, and on the other side over the mountainous backdrop with the Julian Pre-Alps, the Canin group, and many other peaks, which are nicely illustrated by explanatory plaques.
For enthusiasts, a snowshoe ascent is recommended: with the glistening snow, it is magical to catch a glimpse of the little church at the summit.
RECOMMENDED ITINERARIES AND EXCURSIONS
The little church of Christ the Redeemer
On the summit of Matajùr, one cannot help but be enraptured by the panorama that, from the mountain ranges, glides over the Friulian plain to the sea, and, on this view, the little church of Christ the Redeemer stands out, seeming to emerge tiny and flying like a hawk above the other peaks. The little church actually rose from its rubble, as it was first struck by lightning and later destroyed by wartime events related to the Battle of Caporetto. The present structure overlooks the Natisone Valleys and stretches into the clouds.
Previous
Next
Approach and parking
The refuge can be reached by a convenient 15-km road from Cividale del Friuli via SP54. At Ponte San Quirino follow the signs to Savogna and from there climb the southern slope of Matajur.
Alternatively, the mountain hut can be reached on foot from Mersino, in about 2h 30 min, or from the other sides of the mountain via trails from San Pietro al Natisone, Cepletischis, Masseris, Luicco, Stupizza or Caporetto.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Yes, the new management reopened the refuge in January 2022 and immediately began the renovation of the Pelizzo according to their vision. In particular, the kiosk on the viewing terrace is proving very successful.
Unfortunately, no, but the municipality is working toward a future reopening and organizing universe exploration evenings.
Certainly. The ascent with snowshoes is enchanting in the magical panorama that is created when Matajùr is covered in the shimmering white blanket of fresh snow.
Contact Pelizzo Refuge
Through this section you can contact the Pelizzo shelter directly. Use it to request information on services, rates, meal and overnight reservations, weather and trail status information, and trails. Remember that with this form you will contact the activity managers directly. Explorer FVG is only an intermediary and does not handle the responses, nor is it responsible for the information exchanged in these conversations.
Contact information (new management 2022):
Pelizzo Refuge
33040 Savogna (UD)
Managers: Gianna Maria Rucli, Lorenzo Marseu and Loris Piccinutto
Send an email
Share this page
Discover other places
The contents of this page are protected from reproduction and copying with a digital certificate
