The 2002 earthquake


On October 29th, 2022, a good slice of the towns on the eastern side of Etna will remember the twentieth anniversary of an event that few others in Italy will remember. That same day, in 2002, in fact, a serious earthquake struck the municipalities of Acireale, Giarre, Zafferana Etnea and Santa Venerina causing considerable damage, […]

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Chestnut woods of Sant’Alfio


Sant’Alfio is a small town located on the eastern flank of Mount Etna, around the main church and on a very rich territory. The volcanic soil, in fact, favours an agriculture that produces very tasty and particular fruits, be they apples, grapes or chestnuts. For the locals, Sant’Alfio is famous for its chestnut woods and […]

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Once upon a time, the Centenary Hills …


The mountains called “Centenary” have for a long time witnessed a terrible and spectacular eruption of Mt. Etna.  It took place on August 20th, 1852, and lasted almost one year (ended in May 1853). To call them “mountains” may seem exaggerated, in fact now they are little more than hills – small craters that emerge […]

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Enjoying Piedimonte Etneo at the time of harvest


There is a small town “on the way” that leads to some of the most beautiful places on Mount Etna. This village bears an important name, Piedimonte Etneo, which indicates its being at the foot (piedi) of the famous mountain (monte). Yet few people stop here and let themselves be fascinated by its history and […]

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