Rifugio Coca

Rifugio Coca (officially Rifugio Mario Merelli al Coca) is an alpine hut in the Orobie Alps of Lombardy, Italy. Situated at 1,891 metres on the southern slopes of Pizzo Coca in the Val Seriana, in the province of Bergamo, it is a key stop for hikers and climbers exploring the Val di Coca and the Conca dei Giganti. The hut was originally built in 1919 by the Bergamo section of the Club Alpino Italiano (CAI) to commemorate eleven members who died in World War I. It was significantly expanded in 1957 and has been dedicated to mountaineer Mario Merelli since 2012. Today it offers 70 beds, a restaurant, and modern facilities, and serves as a base for ascents of Pizzo Coca, Punta Scais, and other peaks, as well as a stage on the Sentiero delle Orobie Orientali.

The Rifugio Coca was originally constructed in 1919 by the Bergamo section of the Club Alpino Italiano (CAI), based on a design by engineer Luigi Albani. It was built to honour the eleven CAI members from Bergamo who fell during World War I. The initial structure consisted of a single room that served as both kitchen and dormitory. In 1957, the hut was considerably enlarged according to a project by architects Sandro Angelini and his wife Marialuisa Berti, giving it its current appearance. At that time, it was also equipped with an autonomous hydroelectric turbine for power. On 30 September 2012, the CAI Bergamo officially renamed the hut "Rifugio Mario Merelli al Coca" in memory of Mario Merelli, a renowned alpinist from Lizzola who died on 18 January 2012 during an ascent of Punta Scais. The name was changed from Rifugio Coca to Rifugio Mario Merelli al Coca. The hut continues to be owned and managed by CAI Bergamo and remains a popular destination in the Orobie Alps.

• 2012

  Renamed Rifugio Mario Merelli al Coca on 30 September.

• 1957

  Considerably enlarged and equipped with a hydroelectric turbine.

• 1919

  Built by CAI Bergamo to commemorate 11 members fallen in World War I.

A historic and essential mountain refuge in the Orobie Alps, offering shelter and services to hikers and climbers.

• Accommodation (70 beds in 4 dormitories)

• Restaurant

• Showers and restrooms

1. 1Rifugio Coca - Wikipediait.wikipedia.org
2. 2Rifugio Coca - Wikidatawikidata.org