Morgantina: where shells are set in the mountains

Posted on 25/05/2026 by Grazia Musumeci

Once upon a time, there was Morgantina. And it’s still there, twenty centuries later… on the plateau in the heart of rural Sicily, where today fascinated tourists wander among its ruins. Crumbling red stones, remnants of pavements, columns, and, surprisingly, sparkling shells peeking out from every brick! Yes, because the center of Sicily is nothing […]

Castles of Etna 1: Aci Castello

Posted on 18/05/2026 (18/05/2026) by Grazia Musumeci

The history of Aci Castello (Castle of Aci) is intertwined with that of Acireale. In fact, legend has it that it was on the coast of Aci Castello… specifically, in the stretch from the hamlet of Aci Trezza to the village of Capomulini… that the tragedy of Akis and Galatea took place! And it was […]

Memorial Battiato at the “maestro” ‘s Milo

Posted on 11/05/2026 (11/05/2026) by Grazia Musumeci

In this little pink house, which appears pure white in the sunlight, Maestro Franco Battiato lived, worked, and loved for years. An extraordinary musician, singer, thinker, and mystical artist, Battiato left a seaside town as a young man to conquer the world. And, after the world was conquered, he went “back home” to enjoy the […]

The “Three Saints” that liven up Mount Etna

Posted on 04/05/2026 (04/05/2026) by Grazia Musumeci

May is one of the best times to experience Mount Etna. If you’ve never been to our volcano this month, do it now, in these first two weeks. Besides admiring the flower-filled forests, the fragrant lava slopes, and the snowdrifts still at the top, you can attend some of the most beautiful festivals. In May, […]

Radon Gas on Mount Etna: Do Not Fear It

Posted on 27/04/2026 (27/04/2026) by Grazia Musumeci

Radon gas is one of the main sources of natural exposure to ionizing radiation for humans, and is particularly significant in volcanic areas—both current and extinct. For example, high concentrations of radon are also found in the Alps! Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe, is an ideal case study for understanding this invisible, […]