5 THINGS YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT MOUNT ETNA IN SICILY

Discover fascinating facts about Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano and one of Sicily's most iconic landmarks. In this video, we'll explore 5 lesser-known aspects of this majestic natural wonder that will surprise you.

We are Harry and Joan from "Wine Is Always Good." As you may be aware from the latest news, Mount Etna erupted on July 3rd, 2024. It is a fascinating vision to witness as fire explodes from the mountain and black volcanic ash spews ash clouds around the mountain.

Last year we interviewed our friend Orazio about 5 little known trivia about the mountain. Orazio was born in the area and lived at the base of Mount Etna at the sea in Riposto as a child until he left for the US at about 20 years old. After 20 years in the states he returned back to his home in Sicily to live on the mountain on one of his family properties.

1. Did you know...that we live on Mount Etna 6 months of the year? We live in a lava stone cottage that is located on the property of Orazio and Loredana about half way up the mountain. Orazio and Loredana are safe and all is good. They tell us that the activity on Mount Etna is considered to be quite usual and not to be alarmed. They also assure their guests at Pioppi and Betulle.

2. Did you know...they made ashtrays out of molten lava? Orazio filled us in as to how they did it. They take these long sticks with spoons or scoops on the end and dip them into the hot liquid lava. Then they pour the hot lava into a mold and press it into the form of an ashtray to sell to tourists. Did you know that the government stopped this practise in 1984?

3. Did you know...that there were only three deaths in total on Mount Etna in known history? Orazio speculates that they weren't even the result of the lava because the lava flows so slowly. They were likely caused by other circumstances or accidents like maybe a rock hitting them in the head or something similar.

4. Did you know...that there is a government regulation that says you must drain or empty all cisterns before you leave or evacuate the mountain incase of a lava flow hitting them. Orazio explains why they need to be drained. It is apparently due to the fact that the lava comes so fast when it hits the water. It is so hot that the contrast in the temperature of the lava and the water evaporates and explodes like an H bomb.

5. The last major blow on Mount Etna was in 1669. Did you know...elsewhere on the mountain they found a winery intact just recently underneath the lava flow? Orazio explains how they found it and how he speculates how the lava could have gone overtop of the roof. He speculates that it could have been cold or raining and the lava cooled and hardened so that it formed a hard surface on top which protected the complete winery double the size of his house. The story goes that during excavating the lava collapsed and the winery was discovered underneath. The distribution channel for wine to go into the barrels was made of lava stone and the counter weight was hand carved. Unfortunately, the winery was completely demolished, but could have been a great piece of history for study and viewing. Another incident further down the mountain, at a friend of Orazio's, the lava flow brushed the side of the house. He will take us there for a visit.

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