volcano Archives

“At the foot” of the craters: Maletto, Milo, Randazzo

Posted on 18/11/2024 (18/11/2024) by Grazia Musumeci

What is it like to live “under the crater” of a large active volcano? So scary even just to say, because it lets you imagine frightening scenarios. Lava destroying houses, fire raining from the sky, or the terrible end of Pompeii under the ash of Vesuvius. But here on Etna things are not so apocalyptic! […]

Mount Etna, a November eruption in the clouds

Posted on 10/11/2024 by Grazia Musumeci

It took advantage of it, as often happens, away from prying eyes, behind the clouds of November storms. Mount Etna, which loves to surprise, started an eruption on the morning of November 10 while the world was enjoying, in the warmth, the first real Sunday of autumn. The news spread first on social media … […]

Volcanoes: Gates of Hell

Posted on 04/11/2024 by Grazia Musumeci

Are volcanoes the gates of hell? For many centuries, this is how people and popular belief have considered them. A natural fear, given by the view of a mountain capable of spitting fire from every crack. If you go back to study the mythology and history of the Mediterranean, you will find many myths linked […]

“I am a lucky man”: meeting volcanologist Dr Marco Neri

Posted on 21/10/2024 (21/10/2024) by Grazia Musumeci

Dr. Marco Neri, of the Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology in Catania (INGV), considers himself “a lucky man”. And twice lucky, for living where he lives – at the foot of Mount Etna – and for the work he does, which he considers “a continuous emotion”. This quiet gentleman, with kind blue eyes, has a […]

Zafferana Etnea

Posted on 14/10/2024 by Grazia Musumeci

Zafferana Etnea is “the Gateway to Etna”. This town of just over 9,000 inhabitants, located 600 meters above sea level on the eastern slopes of the volcano, is in fact the starting point for almost all excursions to Mount Etna. And it is also the place from which you can admire the most spectacular eruptions. […]