CASA GALLIDA-ETNA

ETNA

ETNA NORTH - PIANO PROVENZANA
Distance from Casa Gallida = 25 km
Travel time = 35 mn
-
ETNA SOUTH - RIFUGIO SAPIENZA
Distance from Casa Gallida = 34 km
Travel time = 45 mn

Etna is the largest volcano in Europe and, with nearly 70 eruptions in the twentieth century, one of the more active volcano in the world. His hight is actualy at 3350 meters for an area of 1250 square kilometers. It extends about 50 kilometers from north to south and 40 kilometers from east to west.

Etna Nord.
From "Piano Provenzana" located about 30 minutes from Casa Gallida, the show is impressive. Large lava flows of the eruption of 2002 have created a lunar landscape, carrying everything in their path. Since then, new roads have been carved into the lava and facilities of the resort rebuilt. With an easy access by car, you can already have a look on this incredible scenery
Access to the top with 4x4 vehicles can be done from this point (tickets sold on site).
In Linguaglossa, qualified guides offer tours of all types and all levels with a departure point from Etna Nord. (see links)

Etna South.
From "Rifugio Sapienza" located about 45 minutes from Casa Gallida, access to the summit can be done in several ways:
- From the parking Sapienza, even 4x4 vehicles to Etna north or
- Aerial cableway for a first stop at 2600 m height and then climb up to about 30 to 40 minutes (medium difficulty) with good walking shoes and
stop wind equipment in summer and / or snow or mountain equipment in winter to arrive at 3000 m or
- Climbing the last part in 4X4 to 3000 m

Warning!
Access to the summit craters can be done only in the presence of experienced guides.

Mythology.
The mythological origin of Etna is linked to the gigantomachy the giant Enceladus, punished by the goddess Athena for deserting the battlefield against the Titans, was found crushed beneath the island of Sicily, where he remains imprisoned. The lava of the volcano are consistent with his fiery breath, and causes earthquakes of volcanic origin when he turns on himself.
Greek mythology is also the god Hephaestus forges in Etna where he manufactures weapons for the gods of Olympus as the trident of Poseidon or Zeus with lightning using Cyclops Smiths, thuds s 'beyond the volcano corresponding pounding tools on the anvil.
The Romans thought about themselves as Vulcan, the equivalent of Hephaistos in the Roman pantheon, was the island of Vulcano in the Aeolian archipelago north of Sicily.
According to the Greek poet Pindar, which means Etna as the "pillar of heaven, Zeus fought then shut the monster Typhon, the father of Cerberus and the Chimera, under Etna which cause eruptions. Guarded by Hephaestus, he wore the wings of an eagle and had a hundred dragon heads whose eyes dart flames.

SOME PICTURES