Mt Etna - The Mountain, The Volcano
Sicily Tour - Photos/Info: Taormina - Siracusa
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| Flying into Catania Airport | From Randazzo (north) to Bronte (west) | ||||
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Mount Etna Mount Etna is the largest active volcano in Europe and one of the world's most important. Towering 3,350 meters (10,991 feet) over the Island, Etna definitely dominates much of the island. Many Sicilians have a love-hate relationship with Mount Etna which may only be understood after spending time in it's environs. During active periods, everyone is used to dusting black sand from their cars, sidewalks, porches and flowers as well as rewashing their laundry - it's simply a way of life. While scientists keep their instruments trained on Etna, many villagers invoke their patron Saints for protection. Formed some 500,000 years ago by continental drift, the mountain has undergone many transformations over the years. Volcano activity references can be found from several centuries BC with two large eruptions in 475 BC and 396 BC. From the end of the 1st century to the present day, approximately 200 eruptions have occurred. One of the most serious was in 1699 when lava almost totally covered Catania and flowed several hundred meters into the sea. Other major eruptions occurred in 1811, 1843, 1866 and 1892 changing the shape of the mountain and forming new craters and vents. The 20th century has witnessed major activity in 1910, 1928, 1950 (continuing for 372 days), 1952, 1971, 1979, 1983 and 1992. The 21st century brings another active period with major eruptions in both 2001 and this year. The eruptions have wiped out both ski areas and lifts and for the first time in a long time, people will not be skiing on Mount Etna. Due to the present activity, sight seeing trips up the mountain have been curtailed but you are still able to circumvent the base. As we drove around the base in early November 2002, each turn brought a new view of the mountain with absolutely mesmerizing views of new eruptions. Note: All photos taken between November 2-9, 2002. The first snow appeared on the mountain during this time. |