Exploring the Strangest Architecture: Casa du Currivu
Located in the picturesque Sicilian village of Petralia Sottana, Casa du Currivu, also known as the ‘House of Spite’, is a peculiar structure that has earned the reputation of being the ‘world’s narrowest house’.
Petralia Sottana, a charming village nestled in the Madonie mountains of Palermo, boasts a population of around 2,000 residents and is home to this unique tourist attraction. The house consists of two floors, with a standard ground floor and an upper level that is only about 3 feet, or approximately one meter, wide. Its distinctive design has sparked curiosity among visitors, who are drawn to the legend surrounding its creation.
Legend has it that Casa du Currivu was built during the 1950s following a heated dispute between neighbors. In those days, it was customary for homeowners to seek permission from their neighbors before expanding their homes vertically. However, in a tale of vengeance and resentment, the owner of Casa du Currivu decided to flout this tradition.
Unable to secure the approval of a neighbor for a second floor, the disgruntled homeowner devised a cunning plan. By building an incredibly narrow structure in close proximity to the neighboring house, he succeeded in obstructing their view without technically violating any regulations. The result was Casa du Currivu, a thin building with minimal interior space, constructed solely to cause inconvenience to a neighbor.
Today, Casa du Currivu stands as a testament to this historical feud and has become a celebrated landmark in Sicily, attracting visitors from far and wide.
The Rival Claimant: Keret House in Warsaw
Interestingly, Warsaw’s Keret House has also staked its claim to the title of ‘world’s narrowest house’. Measuring a mere 36 inches at its narrowest point and 4 inches at its widest, this slender abode rivals Casa du Currivu in terms of its compact dimensions.