Randazzo Ice Cave

La Cave of the Frost is located in Sicilia and many consider it the southernmost glacier of our continent: within the confines of the Metropolitan City of Catania, the Randazzo Ice Cave is on the northern slope of Etna, at an altitude of 2030 meters above sea level Here, about four hundred years ago, a volcanic eruption gave rise to the lava flow that designed the shape of the cave, digging a channel of lava which cooled over time.

In the hottest months of the year, the temperature who register atinside the Randazzo cave they never rise above -6°, but it is easy for hikers to cross the entrance to the cave, after having covered the path of about 5 hours on foot which leads to the cave; in winter, on the other hand, access to the cave is blocked by snow and even identifying the position of the ancient lava channel appears to be an impossible operation.

If until the second half of the last century this enchanted place was known and frequented only by shepherds with their flocks, since the XNUMXs the Grotta del Gelo has become a destination for tourists, scholars and onlookers eager to discover its beauty inside.

The conformation of the Grotta del Gelo in Randazzo and what can be admired inside

The lava channel that gave rise to the Grotta del Gelo was formed following the eruption of July 1614, an eruption whose consequences continued to have repercussions for about 10 years, creating the ideal structure for this surprising place: the descending lava, in its path in contact with the air, it cools faster on the outside, keeping inside a vein of red-hot lava, which cools more slowly. This natural mechanism gives life, in contact with the rock, to a real flow channel, from which the Grotto originates.

The cavern is about 125 meters deep and is entered through a conical opening; inside, ice floors e stalactites, rocks and all the spectacle of the most hidden and mysterious nature. To get to the cave, in the summer, it is necessary to cross paths that cut through the rough lava, between climbs, rocks and gradients that also make the landscape around the cave very fascinating.

What you can do at the Grotta del Gelo in Randazzo and in the surrounding area

The Grotta del Gelo of Randazzo, on the slopes of Etna, is the perfect destination for all lovers of nature which reveals itself in its wildest manifestations: although the path to reach the Grotto is not the easiest, those who go so far as to cross the threshold of the Grotta del Gelo, will be able to enjoy the inside of a show without comparison.

Also hiking trails that are found in the surroundings are very interesting, for all those who love contact with nature, without forgetting, however, that the nearest town, Randazzo, offers its guests just as many attractions. For example, there are many churches that can be visited in the centre, such as the Minor Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, Mother Church of the village, built in 1214 and a splendid example of Gothic architecture, which houses many sacred works of art and a legend. Beautiful is also there Church of San Nicolò, almost as old and one of the largest in the country; then there are over 20 sacred buildings to be discovered in Randazzo.

Also, don't forget to visit the Royal Palace of the Norman kings and the country's museums, the archaeological Museum, Civic Museum of Natural Sciences and Museum of the Opera dei Pupi. As you stroll, let yourself be surprised by the wonderful views of Randazzo.

From the village it is easy to reach the Nebrodi Park to the North and the Etna park to the South, while among the closest centres, we suggest you visit Taormina.

How to get to the Grotta del Gelo in Randazzo

Randazzo, in the Metropolitan City of Catania, can be easily reached by car, via the A18 Messina-Catania, taking the exit for Fiumefreddo 23 km from the center or via the A20 Messina-Buonfornello, from the junction for Falcone, 28 km.

Who travels on the train, can take the bus or shuttle from Giarre Riposto Station, to reach the destination with a journey of about 26 km.

Once on site, the cave can be reached via the Etna "sea-snow" road, which passes through Linguaglossa; the actual path to reach the cave is about 10 km long.

© Image by Enrico Zappala', CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons - Enrico Zappala', CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons