Guided tour of Catania about the volcanic history of Mount Etna

Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano, dominates the landscape of eastern Sicily with its ever-changing slopes, frequent eruptions, and dramatic lava flows. Its presence has profoundly shaped the surrounding region, including the historic city of Catania, which lies at its feet. To understand the relationship between the volcano and Catania, join this guided tour of Catania and discover the city’s streets and landmarks that bear traces of past eruptions!

During this guided excursion, you'll walk around the city with your guide, who will tell you how the people here live in relation to this volcano. You will see how this natural phenomenon changed the landscape of the city, and your guide will give you suggestions about some areas close to Catania where you can see, under other points of view, the strenght of Mount Etna.

In this tour, in particular, he’ll show you the rests of the eruption of 1669, an eruption which covered a part of the sea area of Catania. First of all, you'll walk in the courtyard of the Benedictine Monastery of Catania. This historic site was one of the first to be damaged by the eruption of 1669, which left important remains that can still be seen today, such as huge blocks of lava several metres high. You'll continue our tour descending towards the Roman theatre, while your guide tells you the history of the Amenano River.

From this point, you’ll head towards the Castello Ursino, a fortress that was almost completely surrounded by the 1669 lava flow. There, you'll discover how this impressive natural phenomenon left its mark on the architecture of the city. Then, your guide will take you to see the Well of Gammazita, linked to the eruption of 1669, and where there, once, there was a spring of sweet water, where people used to go. Finally, you'll finish your guided tour of Catania in Dusmet street, exactly 1 minute down from the Cathedral Square, after 2 hours of a natural walk far from the touristic points of the city.

What are you waiting for? Book this guided tour of Catania focusing on the volcanic history of Mount Etna now for an enriching experience in Sicily!