Etna

Sicily’s most famous resident is of course Mount Etna (3343m and ever growing), the active volcano that towers over the eastern side of the island. Situated above two continental plates Etna has grown over the last 35,000 years of volcanism and is part of a chain of volcanic centers sweeping from Italy through the Aeolian Islands. It remains one of the world’s most active volcanoes, you never know you might just see an eruption of bright red sparks and lava so don’t get too close.

Molten Lava is more than 500 oC ( 930oF), in some places on the mountain the constant flows 2 m below the surface causes the snow to melt and the ground to feel warm to the touch. The years of volcanic activity have given a great gift to the surrounding area in providing the rich soil which allows the cultivation of grapes, citrus fruits and many other food stuffs which you can sample and purchase at the local restaurants and shops.

A great way to see the Etna area is to jump aboard the Circumetnea Train, from Catania the train passes Adrano ( site of a Saracen bridge ), Bronte ( pistachio farms and a town with a link to Lord Horatio Nelson), Randazzo ( Lake Gurrida and lava flows ) and Linguaglossa ( fine murals ). Also has stops at Nicolosi and Zafferana where you can go for walks to the crater or to lava flows.

Another way is to hire a local guide and be escorted to the lower slopes and towards the crater. Safety is obviously a concern with an active volcano and care should always be taken on Etna’s slopes. If you wish to go alone, please check in first with the park service to advise them of your route and to ask advice. Warm clothes, study boots and glasses are essential when hiking up the slopes.

Also 4x4 jeep tours are possible starting from Rifugio Sapienza Etna Sud, they follow the cable car line, destroyed in the 2001 eruption as far as conditions at the time allow. Guides / drivers are provided to make this an unforgettable Etna experience.

Etna is a rumbling giant, who has a history of explosions some small and some catastrophic for the local communities.

The Major eruptions are summarized below,

In Ancient History,

475 BC, AD 1169, 1329, 1381 – all sawthe lava flows continuing down to the sea.
However the most destructive of all the eruptions was that of 1669AD. It lasted 122 days, destroying 16 towns and engulfed parts of the city of Catania, killing a fifth of the population.

In Modern History,

AD 1928 – town of Mascali destroyed, including 550 buildings.
AD 1971 – destroyed mountainside observatory.
AD 1979 – 9 died in explosion from crater
AD 1983 – destroyed old cable car and tourist center.
AD 1987 – 2 died and 10 injured in explosion.
AD 1992 – lava poured from a vent and threatened Zafferana Etnea before the Italian Air force’s intervention.
AD 2001-2002 – immense damage to the infrastructure on the south side of the mountain, closing down Catania airport and over 50 million m3 of lava discharged from the crater.

Although still active the Etna region is a fascinating and incredible phenomenom, which is an essential part of any visit to Sicily and should not be missed. Make sure you include it in your plans as it has so much to offer.

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