The refuge was inaugurated in July 1975 and named after Guglielmo Pelizzo, Mayor of his city and Senator of the Republic, who died the previous year who for a long time worked for the construction of the work that "will enhance this corner of Friuli and the charming Natisone Valleys... But above all it will be a meeting point between the people who live on different sides of the Alps", as the then president of the CAI Cividale Section Giovanni Pelizzo said at the inauguration. Over the years it has been expanded and improved several times to reach the current comfortable layout.
The refuge stands on the grassy slopes of Mount Matajùr (1641m). About 300 m from the summit, this splendid position overlooks the Friuli plain as far as the sea. From the top of Mount Matajùr, where the border between Italy and Slovenia passes, you can enjoy a wide panorama of the Julian Alps and the Isonzo valley to the east, and the Clautane and Zoldane Dolomites to the west.
The refuge can be reached by car from Cividale del Friuli in the direction of the Valli del Natisone via Ponte San Quirino continuing towards Savogna along the Alberone valley up to Masseris and then to the refuge. Clear signs indicate the direction from the bottom of the valley.
Among the gastronomic specialties stand out the always fresh homemade tagliatelle, soups and stews, dumplings and pumpkin or spinach gnocchi, ravioli and baked pasta; goulash and braised meats in wine, local sausages and cheeses; wines from Collio and Colli Orientali; homemade desserts and Gubana; grappa with medicinal herbs and wild berries.
The facility offers 35 beds.
Excursion proposals: - to the summit of Matajùr (0.45 T) - Matajùr ring (2.30 E) - at the Mersino hut bivouac - high route of the Natisone Valleys - Italy trail
Mountaineering Proposals: - Via Palma to Mount Matajùr 1641 m (4.30 am, A)
Activity: - climbing wall nearby - small Botanical Garden - starting point for hang gliding and paragliding - "Green Weeks" for elementary school students organized in collaboration with schools and naturalistic guides