Nicolosi: Living in the Shadow of the Giant

Nicolosi is not just any town. It is defined as 'The Gateway to Etna' because it is the last inhabited center before going up to Rifugio Sapienza. It is a frontier town, which has lived for centuries with the 'Mongibello', fearing it and loving it at the same time.

A Rebuilt Town

The history of Nicolosi is marked by the eruption of 1669, the most devastating ever, which destroyed the town and reached as far as Catania. The Monti Rossi, two large volcanic cones covered with pines that overlook the town, were formed precisely on that occasion.

Today the Monti Rossi are a beautiful pine forest equipped for walks, mountain biking or a Sunday picnic with the family.

The Volcanological Museum

In Nicolosi there is also the headquarters of the Etna Park (in the ancient Monastery of San Nicolò l'Arena) and an interesting Volcanological Museum. It is the right place to understand the geology of the volcano before going up. Models, rocks and videos explain how 'Idda' (Her, as the people of Catania call Etna) works.

Nightlife and Gastronomy

Nicolosi is very lively even in the evening. Being a tourist transit point, it is full of pizzerias, pubs and restaurants serving grilled meat and pistachio specialties. It is an excellent base for staying: cooler than Catania in summer, very close to the volcano, but served by everything.

Lava Craftsmanship

Nicolosi is famous for the processing of ceramized lava stone. Local artisans transform the black rock into tables, tiles and colorful and indestructible art objects (they resist frost and fire).

Visiting an artisan workshop is fascinating: you will see how they cut the very hard rock and glaze it as if it were clay.

Why Choose It

• Monti Rossi Pine Forest (Picnic area)
• Etna Volcanological Museum
• Benedictine Monastery
• Strategic base for excursions
• Excellent typical restaurants

Practical Info

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