We are about to get acquainted with one of the most unique natural creations that our planet is so rich in. Today we will go to visit the picturesque island of Sicily and get acquainted with its main attraction - Mount Etna.
What attracts scientists to the volcano
The majority of volcanologists are in love with this place and consider it one of the most unique and unexplained natural phenomena. And all the "salt" is that its eruptions are not subject to any logical, chemical or physical explanation. More precisely, it is certainly possible to explain the processes taking place inside the volcano, but it is not possible to attribute it to at least one of the existing types. Therefore, it is Etna that attracts volcanologists from all over the world, forcing these scientists to rack their brains in search of a clue to such a complex "character".
Let's go to this amazing place and take a fresh look at the centuries-old giant that rose above the earth many thousands of years ago!
The uniqueness of the volcano
The main feature of Etna is that it is the only volcano in the world, the eruptions from which present a terrifying picture and entail serious destruction. Just imagine, tons of hot lava inexorably approach the surface, spill, turning everything in its path to ash. And all this is accompanied by deafening explosions and huge clouds of ash that burst out under the influence of the enormous pressure of gases. You will not find such a fantastic performance anywhere else!
Moreover, the volcano has several craters at once, through which "discharge" occurs at different times or simultaneously. It is not surprising that the ancients, on whose fate many "black dates" fell, linked the events taking place in the depths of the giant with the providence of the gods, calling the place either the "forge of Hermes", then "the gateway to the Underworld of Hades."
But when the monster sleeps, wrapped in soft blankets of fluffy clouds, and life flows around in a measured and imposing Italian style, you can enjoy the divine view, tasting all the delights of peace on the island of Sicily, forever. That is why the local area is so popular with numerous tourists. This makes them one of the paradise corners, which has no analogues.
By the way, about 600 thousand years ago on the site of the present "giant" there was an ordinary sea bay, in which travelers stopped after long wanderings on the seas to replenish water and provisions. But the gods so ordered that as a result of tremors and eruptions, a huge mountain now rises above the surface of the island, which from time to time reminds all residents and guests of the island who is the real owner here.
Interesting Facts
We all heard at least a little about the destructive power of the Sicilian monster, looked with horror at the results of his "pranks" in the photographs and wondered how Italians could live and work on the slopes of this crazy mountain.
But, having got acquainted closer with the indigenous settlers, it turned out that it was here that you can spend many years enjoying the amazing beauty and tranquility. Could the reputation of a "killer volcano" be created artificially? Throughout history, if we take only the confirmed facts, there are no more than 77 victims of the "sleeping mountain".
But the benefits of such a neighborhood can hardly be overestimated. After all, thanks to the generous fertilization of the soil with ash, minerals and other useful substances, a fertile ball was formed, bringing such impressive grape harvests. By the way, it is on the slopes of the mountain that unique black grapes grow, which serves as raw material for the world-famous wine. You can taste it and appreciate the richness of the bouquet by visiting one of the local restaurants. According to experts, it is the presence of ash and the results of the decomposition of minerals in the soil that determines such an unusual taste of the "drink of the gods".
Climbing Mount Etna
Every eruption that takes place on the island has long ceased to be terrifying. But to look at an unusual show, with the most real natural special effects, thousands of onlookers from all over the world gather. Journalists love Etna for unusual stories that allow them to take a leading position among colleagues for at least a few days, photographers can sleep on the slopes of the crater for months in anticipation of another portion of unique pictures, and guests of the island will finally be able to appreciate how safe the volcano is today.
And in a calm state, Etna attracts many people who want to get to know this giant of ash and lava better. The area around it has been declared a nature reserve, which has special climbing paths and numerous expert guides. But it is not at all necessary to take a guide with you. You can climb to the top on your own, for which there are special signs and explanations along the entire route.
Although, considering that the volcano has a huge number of craters that are scattered along the slopes (400-600), it is still safer to be in the company of an experienced guide. After all, these ominous failures are dangerous and very unpredictable.
Tourist routes
Today, there are several routes for tourists along which it is safest to take a walk to an altitude of 3000 meters. The easiest way to get a bird's eye view of Sicily is to travel along the Southern Route. You will be taken to an altitude of 1900 meters by a comfortable bus that departs from Catania. Tourists will have to overcome another 600 meters by funicular. Well, for a 500-meter pedestrian ascent, you will need very little strength. You can also do this way on ATVs.
There are also two alternative routes - the Northern one, which runs through the fabulous slopes, which are densely decorated with rare vegetation, and the Eastern, traveling along which you can see with your own eyes the extraordinary life in the village of Zafferana. But on the South Slope you will only have to admire the remains of solidified lava. But this is not for everybody!
