Mount Etna is one of the world’s most active volcanoes, but the 1669 eruption remains one of the most dramatic and destructive in its history. A lava flow that lasted four months submerged entire villages and reached the city of Catania, changing the face of Eastern Sicily.
The eruption began on March 11, 1669, with the opening of a long fissure on the southwestern flank of Mount Etna, near Nicolosi. The lateral craters, now known as Monti Rossi, are still visible today and represent a site of great interest for both hikers and volcanologists.

Phases of the eruption
– March 11, 1669: Start of eruptive activity with strong seismic shocks and lava fountains.
– March 15–20: The lava flow destroys Mompilieri, a village that is now completely buried.
– Late April: The lava reaches Catania, breaching the city walls.
– July 15, 1669: Volcanic activity concludes after 122 days.
The 1669 eruption destroyed 12 towns and submerged over 40 km² of territory.

The lava reached as far as Catania’s Castello Ursino; today, the castle stands much further inland from the coast due to the advancement of the lava front.

The Legacy Visible Today
Today, it is possible to walk across the 1669 lava flows at various points on Mount Etna’s southern slope. The most suggestive locations:
– Monti Rossi in Nicolosi
– The Simeto Valley
– Lava fields near Misterbianco and Mascalucia
– The Mompilieri Lava Museum (dedicated to the eruption)

Recommended Excursions
To relive the history of this powerful eruption, we recommend:
– Historical-naturalistic tour of Monti Rossi
– Trekking to discover the 1669 lava flows
– Visit to the Nicolosi Volcanological Museum
All excursions are available with a specialized guide. Contact us at www.etnahiker.it for an immersive experience between science and nature.

Fun Facts
– The 1669 eruption is documented in numerous historical paintings.
– It was also observed by foreign travelers of the Grand Tour.
– It is estimated that approximately 600 million m³ of lava were erupted.

Conclusion
The 1669 eruption of Mount Etna was not merely a geological event: it was a collective trauma that left an indelible mark on the culture, memory, and landscape of Sicily. Today, walking on those same lava flows reminds us of nature’s incredible power… and the resilience of the Etnean communities.