ジャッレの天然記念物・トップ20

The Acqua Rocca Trail takes its name from a seasonal waterfall that forms in winter and spring, shaping the basaltic rocks over time. Even in summer, the trail offers spectacular views of the Valle del Bove, the summit craters and the Ionian coast.

A beautiful, short hike to the summit of Monte Zoccolaro with panoramic views of Mount Etna and the Valle del Bove caldera (lava flow from 1991-1993). Don't be fooled; there are actually two paths leading to the summit. The western one (= former road) runs through nowhere. With a lot of intuition and perseverance, you can continue from here, but there is no defined path to the summit—until you reach the marked path from the hut! The actual path to the summit is marked (trail 704), but it is a real, partly overgrown, sunken path that occasionally winds very close to the edge. Caution: after heavy rains, part of the edge could slide away. The cross on the summit of Monte Zoccolaro dates back to 1948, when priest Salvatore Russo, along with some parishioners, carried it on his shoulders to the summit of the mountain. Here, it was inscribed with the words: Prayer, Deed, Sacrifice and firmly anchored. Every year on September 14th – the day the cross was erected – a mass is celebrated at the foot of the monument at 9 a.m. In good weather, the view over the Val Bove is breathtaking, and the summit is one of the privileged vantage points for witnessing Etna's eruptions at night. It's worth it, but it's more than just a short walk!

One of the most beautiful lava tunnels on the north side of Mount Etna is the Serracozzo Grotto (surely often visited, but not signposted). A lava tunnel is not a cave, but rather one formed during an eruption, when a crust forms on the surface of the slowly flowing lava in flatter terrain. This "tunnel" is easy to enter (assuming there's no threat of a thunderstorm (flooding!) or ice and snow making entry dangerous). Don't forget your flashlight; two cave-ins in the ceiling provide sufficient light until halfway through the tunnel, after which it becomes very shallow and pitch-dark in places. It's worth exploring!

The third proposed route cannot currently be done! The section that goes up to Mount Zoccolaro is currently closed due to new landslides on the ridge! It is best to only do the route from Piano del Vescovo to Acqua Rocca and then continue to Valle del Bove!

These bombs were not thrown from the current crater, but came from the Sartorius craters.

This cave was formed from a lava flow that cooled and solidified on the outside, but continued to flow inside, leaving a hollow space behind. The Grotta Serracozzo is particularly impressive because it has collapsed in two places, allowing daylight to enter.

This cave, formed from the solidified lava rock of past eruptions, is a fascinating testament to volcanic activity and offers a rare insight into Sicily's geological history. When visiting this highlight, which is located in the protected area of the Parco dell'Etna, it is important to respect local regulations. The park was established to protect the unique landscape surrounding the volcano and to preserve the natural flora and fauna. Visitors are encouraged to respect the paths and leave no trace in order to preserve this extraordinary place for future generations. The hike continues uphill and eventually reaches the edge of the upper valley, where there are impressive views of the surrounding volcanic landscape. The classic route includes a descent down a volcanic sand gully on the way back, an experience that will be remembered not only for the spectacular scenery but also for the unique way of getting around. Discovering a cave in lava rock is not only an adventure, but also a lesson in geology and volcanology. It makes it possible to feel the forces that shape the earth and admire the quiet beauty that can arise from destruction. For anyone who wants to explore the wonder of Etna and its hidden treasures, this hike offers an incomparable experience that impressively illustrates the fascination of the volcano.

Interesting section!