The proposed route retraces Etna’s volcanological history, starting from its origin 500,000 years ago, until the most recent eruptions. You will discover how the volcano has changed position over the millennia, continuously varying in type of volcanic activity, shapes and colours, making it entirely worthy of its definition as a “Living Mountain”.
Mount Etna is characterised by practically constant eruptive activity from its summit craters, and periodic emissions of lava from its lower altitudes.
All characteristics that in the last 50 years, i.e. since the birth of the scientific discipline of Volcanology, have led Etna to become one of the most well-known and used natural laboratories in the world. These are also the reasons why Etna was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2013.
The route highlights the various areas of Etna’s system, where it is still possible to observe the greatness of past eruptions and how the shapes and colours created also influenced the customs and traditions of the people who lived on its slopes. It also highlights places of unique scenic beauty that are not well known by most of the thousands of tourists who visit the “Mountain” every year.
The presentation of the itinerary, which is full of emotion and suggestions, strives to encourage visits to the places it describes.
