Red Mountains of Nicolosi

I Red Mountains they are one of the most iconic points of interest in the city of Nicolosi, as well as one of its most representative symbols, which tell one of the most significant historical pages of the Nicolosi past.

These are two mountains, better defined as pyroclastic cones, as they were formed with the deposits of lava material caused by the nearby volcano Etna. Located north of Nicolosi, the Monti Rossi are like two giants watching over the city, despite being born from a disaster, protecting it from the strongest winds and softening the splendid natural landscape that can be admired in this extraordinary territory which, or in the other, it is closely linked to Etna, as evidenced by the presence of Nicolosi Volcanological Museum.

Formation of the Monti Rossi di Nicolosi

The birth of the Monti Rossi is decidedly recent, as they were born with theEtna eruption occurred in 1669, one of the most devastating in its history. This lava flow, whose activity began on 8 March 1669, was very rapid, turning the entire city of Nicolosi and its surroundings upside down. In fact, the large lava flow came out from a fissure located in the immediate vicinity of Nicolosi itself, continuing undaunted up to the Catania coast. The lava flow advanced uninterruptedly until 11 July 1669, over 4 months of incessant terror which led to the birth of the Monti Rossi but, unfortunately, also to the total burial of Nicolosi and 15 other villages. During this period of time, the lava reached the city of Catania, destroying part of it and taking away some of its most iconic monuments of the time, as well as considerably lengthening the coast of Catania, which until then overlooked the majestic Ursino Castle.

Although the formation of the Monti Rossi is linked to a disastrous event, at the same time it also represents the rebirth of the Nicolosites themselves, who, starting from scratch, were able to rebuild the entire city, making it even more beautiful than before.

What to do in the Monti Rossi di Nicolosi

The Red Mountains are one of the favorite scenarios for fans of orienteering, a sport of Northern European origin which, especially in recent years, has also conquered Sicily and Italy. This sport is perfect to practice in the Monti Rossi, as they have both rocky landscapes and pine forests and woods, therefore particularly rich in paths on which you can venture.

In the highest areas of the Monti Rossi it is possible to enjoy an extraordinary panorama of the entire Sicilian coast, offering evocative emotions and one of the most unforgettable experiences capable of making any vacation in Sicily that the many tourists of the island spend in these parts every year. Among the Monti Rossi you can also find the Cave of the Palombe, a cavity discovered in 1823 by Mario Gemmellaro and formed during the same eruption of 1669. Mario Gemmellaro was the first to extricate himself in this cave, also reaching its final part located about 120 meters of depth.

Recommended activities for a tour of Etna

How to get to the Monti Rossi di Nicolosi

The Monti Rossi are located just 1 km from the urban center of Nicolosi, being able to admire them from any point of the city, as well as being easily accessible. You can get to Nicolosi, to admire its scenic beauty, in different ways, such as the Provincial Roads 92 and 160, which connect the mountain town with the rest of Sicily also thanks to the numerous buses of the Sicilian bus lines.