On Etna there are a lot of tunnels formed by lava flows. These tunnels, already present in nature, were changed by the lava that flowed into the glowing magma during eruptions. The temperature of lava remains very high on its journey through the tunnels. When the flow of magma ceases from the vent, the previously emitted lava continues to flow under the solidified crust.
In ancient times, people used these caves as places of burial and as storage space for the winter snow falls in order to preserve it as a source of refreshment during the warm period. Here below you can see some of Etna Volcano’s caves:
Etna Caves
Cave of Ice: about 2000m altitude on the northern slope. Cave of Raspberries: about 1700m altitude on the northern slope. Cave of Vanette: near the refuge of Maletto Mount at about 1700m altitude on the northern slope. Cave of Females: at 1650 m altitude on the northern slope. Cave of Doves: at 1560m altitude on the northern slope. Cave of Robbers: about 1550m altitude on the eastern slope, downstream of Citelli Refuge. Cave of Three Levels: at 1600m altitude on the southern side, near the way to Casa Del Vescovo. Cave of the Skier: at 1600m altitude on the southern side, near near the way to Casa Del Vescovo. Cave of Devil: about 2400m altitude on the northern side. Cave of the Chest: about 1400m altitude, on the southern side, located in the municipality of Zafferana Etnea, in the area of Bishop’s Plain.
Exploring the depths of the volcano is really a unique experience. For this reason, the visit of an Etna cave (with all the proper equipment) is an unmissable stop on every Etna tour.