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If you have a taste for both outstanding and dangerous sceneries, you should definitely pack some things and head towards one of the most active volcanoes in Europe, an invaluable proof of nature’s dominating will. Mount Etna is situated on the east coast of Sicily and bears a lofty appearance that overlooks the entire north-eastern island. It is the second largest active volcano in Europe with a 3329 meters height that varies with every eruption. Etna holds height supremacy over the Italian mountains south of the Alps and is also the largest active volcano in Italy.

It began its activity approximately half a million years ago. In 476/ 475 the eruption of Etna was recorded by both the Athenian Aeschylus and great poet Pindar, followed by Thucydides’ allusion to another event of the same kind in 425.

The volcano is largely known for its differential eruption styles. It makes an outstanding view when both summit and flank erupt in the same time. Still, this is not only a magnificent sight but also an extremely dangerous one. In 1928 the lava flow destroyed a population center, the first event of this kind since 1669. The 1928 moment ended up on the political agenda when Mussolini used it for Fascist propaganda which basically concerned evacuation, aid and restoration as proof as the Fascist politics. The destroyed center, Mascali, was rebuilt on a different site and nowadays its inhabitants reminisce those times by organizing manifestations and conferences meant to commemorate the 1928 event.

Other high-scale eruptions marked 1949, 1971, 1981, 1983 and 1991-1993. The latter was ingeniously manipulated by the construction of barriers meant to protect the town of Zafferana from the lava flow.

Etna offers a splendid sight of a permanent threat. Its power is observed with every eruption, but its splendor was quite amazing in the ‘70s when the volcano erupted smoke rings, a very rare phenomenon which was subsequently captured once again in 2000.

The mountain offers numerous attractions for visitors such as great slopes during winter and long explorations during summer. While hiking, smaller peaks and several caverns can be observed. Don’t try to figure out where the next eruption is going to be since no one can predict it for sure. The mystery mainly revolves around the fact that Etna is a strato volcano with various openings which maintain the question marks over the next effusion.

Not only volcanologists are attracted by Etna but also flora and fauna specialists. Great study material can be found in these surroundings. Oaks, stone pines, birch and beech grow in various types and the lower altitudes are marked by broom plant and various shrubs. Etna’s ponds are inhabited by frogs, toads and turtles joined by terrestrial snakes and lizards. Falcons, owls, partridges and the golden eagle are always overflying the mountain.

A major attraction is named Alcantara Gorge, a rock formation made of basalt which resulted from Etna’s effusions. It is quite amazing and it is a must if you plan on visiting the Parco Regionale dell’Etna (the Etna National Park).

Multiple studies were deployed on the Etna area and important discoveries have been made. Still, for its casual visitors, the volcano reserves a certain mystery that reveals itself with every step.