Mount Etna in Sicily – history, photo, description, ascent, routes, map
We will get acquainted with one of the most unique natural creations that our planet is so rich in. Today we will go on a visit to the picturesque island of Sicily and get acquainted with its main attraction – Mount Etna.
What attracts scientists to the volcano
The bulk of volcanologists are in love with this place and consider it one of the most unique and inexplicable phenomena of natural origin. And the whole “salt” is that its eruptions are not subject to any logical, chemical or physical explanation. More precisely, it is possible, of course, to explain the processes occurring inside the volcano, but it is not possible to attribute it to at least one of the existing types. Therefore, it is Etna that attracts volcanologists from all over the world, forcing these scientists to rack their brains in search of a clue to such a complex “character”.
Let's go to this amazing place and take a fresh look at the centuries-old giant that rose above the earth many thousands of years ago!
The uniqueness of the volcano
The main feature of Etna is that it is the only volcano in the world, the eruptions from which present a terrifying picture and cause serious destruction. Just imagine, tons of red-hot lava are inexorably approaching the surface, spilling, turning everything in its path into ashes. And all this is accompanied by deafening explosions and huge clouds of ash, which breaks out under the influence of huge gas pressure. You will not find such a fantastic action anywhere else!
Moreover, the volcano has several craters at once, through which “discharging” occurs at different times or simultaneously. It is not surprising that the ancients, on whose fates many “black dates” fell, connected the events taking place in the depths of the giant with the providence of the gods, calling the place either “the forge of Hermes”, or “the gates to the Underworld of Hades”.
But when the monster sleeps, wrapped in soft blankets of fluffy clouds, and life flows around measuredly and imposingly in Italian style, you can enjoy the divine view, tasting all the delights of peace on the island of Sicily forever. That is why the local region is so popular among numerous tourists. This makes them one of the corners of paradise, which has no analogues.
By the way, about 600 thousand years ago, on the site of the current “hulk” there was an ordinary sea bay, in which travelers stopped after long wanderings across the seas to replenish water and provisions. But the gods so ordered that, as a result of tremors and eruptions, a huge mountain now rises above the surface of the island, which from time to time reminds all residents and guests of the island about who is the real owner here.
Interesting Facts
We all heard at least a little about the destructive power of the Sicilian monster, looked with horror at the results of his “pranks” in the photographs and wondered how the Italians could live and work on the slopes of this crazy mountain.
But, having become better acquainted with the indigenous settlers, it turned out that it was here that one could spend many years enjoying the amazing beauty and peace. Maybe the reputation of the “killer volcano” was created artificially? Throughout history, if we take only confirmed facts, there are no more than 77 victims of the “sleeping mountain”.
But the benefits of such a neighborhood can hardly be overestimated. Indeed, it was thanks to the generous fertilization of the soil with ash, minerals and other useful substances that a fertile ball was formed, bringing such impressive grape harvests. By the way, it is on the slopes of the mountain that unique black grapes grow, which serve as raw materials for the world-famous wine. You can try it and appreciate the richness of the bouquet by visiting one of the local restaurants. According to experts, it is the presence of ash in the soil and the results of the decay of minerals that determines such an unusual taste of the “drink of the gods”.
Climbing Mount Etna
Each eruption that occurs on the island has long ceased to be frightening. But to look at an unusual show, with real natural special effects, thousands of onlookers from all over the world gather. Journalists love Etna for unusual stories that allow them to take a leading position among their colleagues for at least a few days, photographers can sleep on the slopes of the crater for months waiting for the next batch of unique shots, and guests of the island will finally be able to appreciate how safe the volcano is today.
And in a calm state, Etna attracts many who want to get to know this giant of ash and lava better. The area around is declared a natural reserve, which provides special climbing trails and employs numerous expert guides. But it is not necessary to take a guide with you. You can climb to the top on your own, for which special signs and explanations are installed along the entire route.
Although, given that the volcano has a huge number of craters that are scattered along the slopes (400-600), it is still safer to be in the company of an experienced guide. After all, these ominous failures represent a considerable danger and are very unpredictable.
Tourist routes
Today, there are several routes for tourists, along which it is most safe to take a walk to a height of 3000 meters. The easiest way to see Sicily from a bird's eye view is to travel along the Southern Route. You will be taken to a height of 1900 meters by a comfortable bus that departs from Catania. Tourists have to overcome another 600 meters on the funicular. Well, for a 500-meter ascent on foot, you will need quite a bit of strength. You can do this way on quad bikes.
There are also two alternative routes – the Northern one, which runs through the fabulous slopes, which are densely decorated with rare vegetation, and the Eastern one, traveling along which you can see with your own eyes the outstanding life in the village of Zafferana. But on the Southern slope you will have to admire only the remains of the solidified lava. But this is already an amateur!