Discover Mount Etna with Bellavista

Welcome to Sicily, a land where gastronomy, cultures and legends are indivisible from volcanos. Today we are going to focus on the Mount Etna who shaped lands, men and Gods.

The majestic volcano Etna reigns over many inhabited areas, including Catania in the south-west. It has erupted many times throughout history. One of the most violent eruptions occurred in 122 BC. It was from this eruption that the gigantic Caldeira del Piano was formed on the volcano’s south-eastern flank. From the outset, this volcano, located in Sicily, has been one of the most active in Europe. Etna is a mountain in its own right, reaching an altitude of 3,300 metres and covering an area of 1,200 square kilometres. These two figures make Etna the highest volcano in Europe and the largest mountain in Italy. Over the course of the 20th century, its altitude has frequently varied by around one hundred meters, due to lava and mud flows.

The most striking awakening came on March 11,1669. The Castello d’Ursino in the center of Catania was raised to provide shelter in the event of a lava flow. The second purpose of this military building was to repel Arab invasions and serve as a departure point for the Sicilian crusaders. However, the new eruption of Mount Etna buried the inner courtyard under two meters of lava. A famous painting was drawn on the canvas when the volcano awoke. Verba volant, scripta mannent, works of art endure. At the sight of this painting on display in Catania, the villagers’ sense of dread grew and grew. The fear of instant chaos is alive and well, for the active volcano of Etna also shaped the land. The same Ursino castle in Catania was initially in front of the waves. The numerous lava flows and Etna’s slide along the coast have eaten away more than two kilometers of shoreline. The emblem of Catania is a black elephant with a white obelisk on its back. Located in the city center, this animal is supposed to protect the city from the vagaries of nature. Built in 1750, the Volcano will still be woken up many times even after the city has adopted it. The elephant is made of lava stone, giving it a striking appearance.

Many legends surround this majestic volcano. In Greek mythology, Etna owes its appearance to the gigantomachy. These were violent battles between the Giants, sons of the gods, and the Titans. Enceladus, the son of Ouranos (the sky), was punished by the gods for deserting the battlefield in the face of a Titan. The decision was swift, and he was crushed by the entire island of Sicily. The eruptions represent his tormented soul forever. The etymology of this great volcano comes from the Greek aïtho, I burn. With the volcano having shown its whims on numerous occasions, Sicilian lands often had the look of bad days. Note that for the Hellenes, the black faces of Africa were described as burnt. The very name of the country Ethiopia comes from the word aitho-pia, the land of burnt heads. A final legend has it that Cyclops built the weapons of gods. Poseidon’s trident and Zeus’ lightning bolt are said to have been forged beneath this volcano. Lava flows represent the working of materials. Every time there is a volcanic activity, the gods have brand new material!

Where there are Italians, there is wine. Etna’s grape varieties have been protected by an appelation of controlled origins since 1968. The precise location of the grapes must be between 400 and 1100 meters above sea level. The Etna Rosso appellation is based on two endemic grape varieties, Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio. The best grapes will be found on western flank, where eruptive fissures are numerous and volcanic activity is bubbling. On your visit, stop off at the villages of Zaferana, Linuguaglossa and Milo.

If you want to enjoy the place and taste the local produce, you will need the resort of your dreams. What would you say to taking up residence in this luxurious inland residence for rent, on the banks of the Perguse lagon where you will find an aminé village, all in a very intimate setting. For those who prefer a little more ostentatious luxury, we suggest this charming residence on the outskirts of Catania. As with this dream villa, it is ideal for lounging around the pool on hot afternoons. As evening falls, Catania invites you to enjoy its never-ending night life.