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MONTE ETNA

‘When I look at her, low, white, witch-like under heaven, slowly rolling her orange smoke and giving sometimes a breath of rose-red flame, then I must look away from earth, into the ether, into the low empyrean. And there, in that remote region, Etna is alone.’

D.H. Lawrence, Sea and Sardinia

The fire-breathing giant and its devastating eruptions have left deep inspirational impressions on Mediterranean cultures all through the ages. Early conjecture by the Greeks explained its activity as banished giants working underworld forges, along with the grisly monster Typhon, imprisoned there by Zeus, who made the earth tremble with his twisting and turning. The fitting name of ‘Etna’ derives from a Greek word meaning ‘to burn’, though the Arabs preferred to refer to it as Jebel Utlamat, ‘mountain par excellence’, whence derives its modern-day Latinised alias, Mongibello. However for the Sicilians it is simply a’ muntagna (‘the mountain’), and strictly feminine.

Shepherds’ hut backed by Etna’s central craters (Walk 6)

Sicily’s massive landmark volcano began life thanks to submarine activity in a long-gone gulf in eastern Sicily over half a million years ago, and appears to rise directly from the Ionian Sea. It needed Scottish geologist Charles Lyell in 1858 to demonstrate that it was the outcome of small-scale recurrent eruptions instead of a single cataclysm, the prevalent theory of the time.

With its 3300m in altitude, Monte Etna is Europe’s highest active volcano, dominating the whole of Sicily. The volcano covers an area of 1600 sq km, has a diameter of 44km and a base circumference of some 160. The height of the upper crater is currently around 3340m, though this varies considerably with lava build-up. Views from the summit can range as far as 240km.

At present four craters are active on the summit: the North East, the Bocca Nuova (new mouth), the South East and the Voragine (chasm); while around 320 secondary or adventive cones dot the slopes, witnesses to recurrent decentralised activity.

The first recorded eruption, and possibly the most violent, occurred in 475 BC, though a subsequent episode in 396 BC was evidently of mammoth proportions as it obstructed the progress of the Carthaginian army. Over 250 more have since followed, often catastrophic events such as in 1669 when 15 villages were obliterated and Catania was inundated by lava, which reached the sea and resulted in a 2km extension of the coastline. Over the last 30 years there has been an eruption every three years on average, for a duration between a few hours to a matter of years. The explosive activity has become Strombolian in nature, namely small explosive eruptions and often accompanied by spectacular lava fountaining. Noteworthy recent flows include that of 1985, which cut across the road from Nicolosi, and the 1991 streams which threatened Zafferana Etnea. Moreover the 1991–93 period meant over 250 cubic metres of lava over 473 days. In late 1999 a voluminous river of lava from the Bocca Nuova made its way down the western flanks in the direction of the township of Bronte. On the other hand the extended 2000–2003 eruptions made headlines all over the world. Columns of thick smoke and ash of biblical dimensions towered into the sky, showing up on satellite pictures – and incidentally closing Catania’s airport. A new mouth opened up, discharging mammoth amounts of lava in a sluggish but destructive red-black river north-northeast that slowly submerged the northern resort of Piano Provenzana. Fortunately there have been few victims; life-threatening explosions are rare and the creeping lava flows are slow enough to give people time to evacuate their homes.

As an alternative to mechanical diversion of lava or dynamiting, forbidden practices nowadays, the protection of Catania’s patron Saint Agata is often evoked to halt the fiery rivers. In the wake of her martyrdom in the third century, her veil miraculously saved the city from being engulfed by magma and continues to be revered and borne in procession on her feast day, 5 February.

Another remarkable story, of obscure origin, stars none other than Queen Elizabeth I of England. During her early imprisonment she evidently drew up a pact with Beelzebub, prince of the devils, exchanging for her soul the throne of England and victory over her enemies, the Catholic Church included. On her death at the ripe age of 70, she requested a final favour of him: that her body not be interred in the cold, damp earth of England, but on an immense mountain on an island she had dreamt of in the middle of the Mediterranean. Her wish was fulfilled, and the devil bore her body dressed in full royal regalia into the fiery magmatic depths of none other than Sicily’s Etna!

Some notes on the natural inhabitants of the mountain are in order. Lava, ‘the black milk of Etna’s breast’, in the words of Carlo Levi, means a dearth of nitrogen, an essential element for plant life. Notwithstanding, it is colonised by a succession of fascinating plant types and can even be dated by the vegetation it supports. First off the mark are lichens and algae, which obtain nitrogen from the air and attach themselves to the rock surfaces, paving the way for the pioneer species such as milk vetch and the ubiquitous Etna broom shrubs, whose strong roots help break up the solidified lava. Then come prickly pear, fruit-bearing trees and olives, with grape vines last of all.

Vegetation on the mountain fits into three clear altitude bands: the lowest, from sea level to around 1000m, densely cultivated, is characterised by grapes, pistachios, almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, figs and fruit orchards that thrive on the fertile volcanic soil; this is followed by steeper terrain which is cloaked with broom and woods of chestnut, oak and beech (which holds the European record for altitude here, growing as high as 2250m), as well as a relic from the ice ages, the endemic birch, which resembles the Scandinavian variety. These precede the over 2000m band, or ‘desert’, of ashes and sand. This apparently barren lavic terrain is suited to a surprising array of flowering species, such as two special daisies, Etna camomile and ragwort, which make it up to an incredible 3050m, closely followed by a sort of crimson sorrel. A little beneath them, the fine sand is anchored by striking tussocks of milk-vetch, Astragalus siculus or Spino santo, ‘holy thorn’, which provides hospitality for other plants such as Etna mouse-ear. Further endemics, the Etna violet and soapwort, which comes in pink cushions, also belong here.

A bright range of butterflies is to be seen, while feathered wildlife is abundant across the volcanic slopes, notably birds of prey such as golden eagles and red kites, while a host of hardy, tiny ground nesters (such as black and white tailed wheatears, stonechat, blue rock thrush and black redstart) can be seen darting across the high-altitude lava fields. The woods on the other hand are home to jays and woodpeckers. The animal front is dominated by wild cats, foxes and rabbits, whose populations have reputedly reached plague proportions since hunting has been banned in the Park. A curious phenomenon can be observed in early summer with the arrival of incredible ‘clouds’ of scarlet ladybirds that are airlifted helplessly en masse and easily spotted against the dark terrain.

The extraordinary world of Etna – an island within an island – lends itself to an enthralling series of visits punctuated by phenomena such as fumarole(hissing gas vents), immense lunar expanses thick in soft ash and lapilli, adventive cones, volcanic bombs akin to huge cannon balls of viscous lava which are spun out of craters, and unique underground tubes or lava tunnels. If conditions are favourable, the actual summit craters can be reached, lying on the level of the trademark ‘cloud’ – smoke in actual fact. However it is the striking contrast between life and death that leaves lasting impressions. Flourishing vineyards are half-buried by dark lava, roofs of erstwhile houses emerge from under a sombre solid avalanche, newly reconstructed stretches of road and rail make their tentative way across blackened wastes. Despite the persistent onslaughts, life goes on around the volcano, its lower slopes densely populated.

Endemic mouse-ear on lava

In 1987 an area of 59,000 hectares came under the auspices of the Parco dell’Etna. The headquarters at Nicolosi (Tel 095-821111) occupy an atmospheric Benedictine monastery, recently restored with great care. Several sentieri natura, marked nature trails, run through zones of special interest. In general walking is on forestry tracks, though waymarking is all but absent on many routes. Orientation can be tricky in the thick woods as well as on the open lavic terrain which is all but devoid of useful landmarks; it is especially difficult and dangerous if low cloud and mist roll in – not uncommon. Moreover, the high iron content of the rock can play havoc with compass readings. Remember that stormy conditions, snowfalls and strong winds high up are common even in summer, and it is extremely inadvisable to set out on any of the walks in adverse weather.

As the seasons go, remember that the upper half of Etna is usually snowbound for approximately four months of the year (December through to March), an attractive proposition for experienced ski tourers and marvellous for photography. Unless snowshoeing appeals (the Park runs a programme with guides) walkers are better off waiting. May–June is recommended for the high-altitude flora, July–August can be scorchingly hot on the lower reaches, while the autumn months bring crisp clear skies and russet woods.

There is a long-distance trail known as the GTE (Grande Traversata Etnea) around the mountain’s midriff; however, patchy waymarking, ongoing lava flows and dearth of support structures mean it is only really feasible with a guided group: contact the Catania branch of the CAI (Tel 095-7153515 or www.caicatania.it).

Volcanic bomb

Thanks to the panoramic road SP 92 via Nicolosi, the majority of visitors flock to the most accessible zone of the mountain, Area Etna Sud, 1900m above sea level. Day-in, day-out, coach-loads are disgorged at the sprawl of restaurants and kiosks peddling an unbelievable range of souvenirs and postcards. Its landmark is the Italian Alpine Club’s mythical Rifugio Sapienza, which has miraculously survived countless onslaughts of incandescent lava, and has recently been transformed into a hotel. Close by, a brand new gondola car whisks visitors up to the 2500m mark, where 4WD minibuses continue towards the 3000m threshold. Quite frankly a trek to the volcano’s breathtaking summit craters is an unforgettable experience. For safety reasons, at the present time visitors are only allowed to venture to the highest rims in the company of the qualified alpine guides, who are also experts in vulcanology. Metereological conditions permitting, from May through to October the excursions leave the Area Etna Sud (adjacent Rifugio Sapienza) on a daily basis, and are well-worth considering (Tel 095-7914755 or www.etnaguide.com.) Another agency is www.etnaest.com, tel 327 7972212.

The northeastern realms of Etna are much quieter and accessible thanks to the SP Mareneve and Rifugio Citelli and Rifugio Bruneck at Piano Provenzana – the friendly staff can help with local transport and will pick guests up at bus stops. They also organise local walks with a guide. Unaccompanied walkers can venture on the walk itineraries described in the following pages.

For more detailed and constantly updated information in English, together with links to weather forecasts and stunning images of the upper reaches of Mount Etna where the action is, not to mention a thrilling read, log on to ‘Italy’s Volcanoes: the Cradle of Volcanology’ at www.italysvolcanoes.com, as well as the guides’ site above. The Parco dell’Etna website www.parcoetna.it has all manner of information, including itineraries, while readers of Italian will appreciate highly informative www.cataniaperte.com/etna.

Note Remember that Etna is an active volcano and the situation can change dramatically at a moment’s notice. Intending walkers should check locally for route information to avoid dangerous situations. In any conditions it’s good practice to let someone know which route you intend to follow on a given day to facilitate rescue operations if needs be.

Maps

 ‘Mt Etna’ 1:25,000 by Selca, Florence, is the most useable map for walkers, and is available at Area Etna Sud and bookshops in large towns.

 There is a clear 1:50,000 map ‘Parco dell’Etna’ put out by the TCI (Touring Club Italiano) in conjunction with the Catania Provincial Tourist Board.

 The Park Authority itself publishes a simplified diagram-cum-map in leaflet form (in English – ‘Etna Regional Park’) showing the location of highlights around the mountain and providing plenty of background information. However, it is not much help for walking.

WALK 5

The Craters of Monte Silvestri

Start/Finish	Restaurant, Monte Silvestri
Distance	2.2km/1.4 miles
Grade	1–2
Time	1hr 20min
Maps	‘Mt Etna’ 1:25,000, Selca
Access	Area Etna Sud (also referred to as Rifugio Sapienza) is located 21km from Nicolosi. It is served by daily AST runs from Catania via Nicolosi. Drivers will need the parking area near the restaurant shown on the map, a short distance east from the gondola-car lift and Rif. Sapienza, along the road for Zafferana Etnea. On foot, it’s a 5min stroll from the bus stop.

This route offers two easy but spectacular circuits around a number of colourful craters, long inactive. Ranging between altitudes of 1846–1908m above sea level, a good distance below the smoking summit of Etna, is the cluster of six craters belonging to Monte Silvestri. Strictly speaking they belong to the group of 300 or so adventive (or parasitic) lateral cones that have over time opened up on the flanks of the great giant – in this case along a radial fault during a six-month eruption in 1892. This batch is especially attractive for its rainbow of coloured soils – green, red, white, yellow – in addition to the wide-ranging panorama on offer.

Hotel-style accommodation is available at nearby Rif. Sapienza, as well as Nicolosi, which has a good choice of restaurants.

The Walk

From the restaurant (1880m), where visitors are exhorted ‘Visitate i crateri Silvestri’, take the clear path south flanking the first small exemplar of the Monte Silvestri Inferiore craters with its vivid chromatic tones. The broad rim of the main hole, some 50m in diameter, is circled next on prevalently reddish terrain. From the opposite side take the steep path which drops quickly on loose soil towards a further crater, unmistakable Monte Nero (black mount). Take care following its rim.

Return to the main crater the same way – or via any of the numerous side paths which invite further exploration. The entire area is quite breathtaking. There are vast stark extensions of lava flows, their dark masses interrupted by islands of greenery that escaped the carnage. Further groups of adventive cones punctuate the landscape right down to the broad valleys that circle Etna, preceding the Ionian coast. The circuit is completed left around the main lower crater and back to the roadside restaurant (40min).

Those with energy to spare should cross the road and embark on the steep path for the upper crater. A tiring red-black sand ramp bears north, at first skirting the recent lava flows which appeared to everyone’s surprise on the lower slope of La Montagnola in 2001. Swinging east then south, the path gradually gains the wonderfully scenic rim ofMonte Silvestri Superiore (1998m). The views range over neighbouring Monti Calcarazzi and the elongated Schiena dell’Asino crest, not to mention much further afield. A clear path continues west around the rim, before descending to join the ascent path, whence left back to the restaurant (40min). Accommodation Rif. Sapienza Tel 095-915321 CAI Nicolosi: B&B La Giara Tel 095-7919022

Dwarfed to the size of ants, people explore the lower Silvestri rim

WALK 6

Monte Nero degli Zappini Loop

Start/Finish	Piano Vetore
Distance	5km/3.1 miles
Grade	1
Time	1hr 40min
Maps	‘Mt Etna’ 1:25,000, Selca
Access	As per Walk 5, but leave the main road 2.5km west of the Area Etna Sud. There is ample roadside car parking. Those travelling by the daily Catania–Etna bus should ask to be let off at the ‘Sentiero Natura’ turn-off, then it’s a matter of minutes to walk in.
Note	After a lava invasion in 2003, the central section was modified. This may not be shown on older maps.

This rewarding Sentiero Natura, the very first nature trail to be marked by the Etna Park authorities, leads through an interesting range of volcanic landscapes. It is within easy reach of the main Etna Sud zone, but is thankfully quiet and little visited. Moreover, the routes gives great angles onto Etna’s main summits and the columns of smoke issuing from the craters. Pockets of endemic plant life up the interest level. The sole note of ‘warning’ concerns the dearth of shade on all but the central stretch, making sun protection essential. Good trainers instead of boots are OK on this route.

The Walk