A man has shared the tragic final photo he took with his girlfriend hours before she plunged to her death down a 160ft ravine. 

Maurizio Filini and Laura Barbieri were hiking Mount Guglielmo, in northern Italy, when Ms Barbieri fell off the side of a particularly exposed point on the trail. 

Just hours before the tragedy occurred, the couple were smiling at the top of the snowy summit.

With their arms linked and the Monument to the Redeemer – a statue built on top of the summit of Mount Guglielmo – in the background the pair are a picture of happiness hauntingly unaware this would be their last photo together.

Il Dolomiti – an Italian publication – reported that after the couple left the summit, Ms Barbieri lost her balance at an altitude of 1,700 metres and fell down a ravine in front of Mr Fillini. 

Mr Fillini immediately raised the alarm and the emergencies services – which included paramedics and a rescue helicopter – rushed to the scene.

However, once they located Ms Barbieri she was sadly confirmed dead.

According to Corriere Della Sera Ms Barbieri likely slipped due to the ice on the mountain despite having crampons attached to her boots.

Taking to social media following her death, Mr Fillini shared their final photo together with the caption: ‘This was our last photo, I will love you forever my Laurina, have a good trip.’ 

The post has since received over 300 likes on FaceBook.

Ms Barbieri’s funeral will be held on Wednesday March 12 in the Italian city of Brescia where the couple lived. 

Mount Guglielmo is a popular hiking spot in the Lombardy region of Italy known for its panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.