Rifugio Tita Barba

Rifugio Tita Barba sits at 1,821m on the Appennine ridge between Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany. Most hikers reach it via the CAI trail from Passo dei Mandrioli (1,576m), a 3-hour push north along the spine. The approach gains 250m steadily through beech forest. Drive to Passo dei Mandrioli from either side: from Forli or from the Casentino valley. The location puts you on the main ridge traverse between Corno alle Scale and Monte Falterona.
The hut runs year-round and sleeps 60 across mixed dorms. Meals are solid mountain fare—expect pasta, risotto, and local meat. Half-board costs less than booking bed and meals separately. The kitchen stocks espresso and homemade cake. Water is reliable. Beds are basic but clean. Showers are available. The hut has no electricity backup, so storm season brings occasional outages.
Book directly by phone or email at least 2 weeks ahead. July and August weekends fill fast. The hut closes rarely but weather sometimes forces it shut in winter. Phone ahead before a winter visit. Arrive before dark—the final approach has minimal markers after dusk.