Looming on the east coast of Sicily between the cities of Messina and Catania Etna rises nearly 11,000 feet tall, covering an area of 459 square miles. It is also one of the most active volcanoes in the world.
In Greek Mythology Zeus was said to have trapped Typhon beneath it as well as the forges of Hephaestus.
Typhon
The name Etna means furnace or chimney...and the mountain is in near constant state of activity. Geologist surmise that volcanic activity started here 500,000 years ago.
Mount Etna is one of Sicily's main tourist attractions, with thousands of visitors annually. It provides hiking, 2 ski resorts and a train trip around the base.
Hiking Mount Etna
https://youtu.be/LYayrHjrkZ8
Train at the base of Etna.
https://youtu.be/N9tY5W8lyFE
Mount Etna Lava Flow
https://youtu.be/rdftw99Hbeo
Mount Etna Eruption
https://youtu.be/rznju2ivzfU
Sking Mt. Etna
https://youtu.be/743AqqmuWEg
https://youtu.be/s4wyl7746fo
Sking to beat an eruption
https://youtu.be/BcPP7msvg94
And a last word...when it is 104 in Sicily and you are melting in the heat...remember the Arab nevari snow dealers who, centuries ago, would bring blocks of packed snow down from Mount Etna to mix with fruit juices make the frozen granitas we still enjoy today!
True Story.
More anon...
