Did you know that Italy has the highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world, 49 in total, followed by China with 45, and Spain with 44? One of the most recent additions to the impressive list came last June when the ever spectacular Mt. Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano, was added.
Mitologia
In Greek Mythology Typhon, the “father of all monsters”, was trapped under the Etna by Zeus, god of the sky and thunder, and king of the gods. Typhon replaced Etna’s previous tenant Adranos, a fire god worshipped by the ancient population of Sicily. The forges of Hephaestus, son of Zeus and Greek god of blacksmiths, were also believed to be located beneath the mountain. As the blacksmith god, it was Hephaestus’ job to forge weapons for the deities. Later, in Roman times, Hephaestus became known as Vulcan, from whom we inherit the name volcano. Now, isn’t that far more interesting than a boring old scientific explanation of the antics that volcanoes get up to?
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| The forges of Hephaestus beneath Mount Etna |
Che Spettacolo!
Proud of its new status, Etna is currently putting on an impressive display, its red veins of molten lava flowing down over the mantle of snow that it had been sleeping beneath until a few days ago. Click on the photo below to watch a short (20 second) video of the ‘Mount Etna Show!’. I’ve transcribed and translated the soundtrack for you underneath.
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| CLICK ON THE PHOTO … I dare you! |
Continua a dare spettacolo l’Etna, con l’attività ripresa il 23 gennaio mentre la vetta è ancora coperta di neve. La nuova bocca sul fianco Sud-Est della montagna crea un fronte di lava a 1.800 metri di quota che si incanala verso la Valle del Bove. L’aeroporto internazionale di Catania resta operativo nonostante la chiusura di parte dello spazio aereo sul vulcano.
Etna continues the ‘show’, having become active again on the 23rd January with its peak still covered in snow. The new mouth on the south eastern flank of the mountain has created a lava front at 1,800 meters altitude that is flowing down towards the Valley of the Bove. Catania International Airport remains active despite the closure of airspace above the volcano.
Personally I’ve never seen an active volcano in my life, but I’m hoping to remedy that later this year when we pay a visit to Sicilia. How about you, have you visited Etna, and if so what was your impression? Feel free to leave a comment.
Comments:
Elisabeth:
Hi,
I visited Etna in September, with my family. It was absolutely wonderful, you have a nice experience too look forward to! It felt like being on the moon, a very eerie landscape, with cold winds, black stones everywhere,fog – and suddenly the most amazing views when the fog lifted. Be sure to go to the very top, that’s where it is really cool!
Geoff:
@Elisabeth Grazie Elisabeth, I think I’ll wait and see how active Etna is before deciding whether to go to the top or not!
A presto, Geoff
Guest:
We were gutted as we left Sicily and the Aoelian Islands (well worth a visit!) just days before Etna started activity last October. We walked on the flanks- so rich in minerals, and fruit and nut trees everywhere. We also visited Stromboli *(always active to some degree) and Vulcano which I have to say was most impressive- we walked around the crater and of course the scenery is stunning! I hope you enjoy your visit.
Diana:
Ciao! I went to Mt Etna in 2006. Probably the biggest WOW moment in my life. There was snow on the mountain and we happened to be there on a very active day. Hearing the mountain rumble and almost talk to you was exhilarating yet a bit scary. Going back there in March 2014. I have some spectacular photos. Best experience of my life, so far!
Judith:
I have been close enough to the volcano erupting in hawaii,and it is pretty impressive. I would LOVE to be able to come to mt. etna and witness that blacksmith.