Etna Lava Tubes Project was born with the aim of spreading knowledge of little-known or unpublished Etna caves. Natural phenomena among the most fascinating of our volcano. Many texts report that on Etna there are at least 260 known caves. In reality the formation of lava tubes is very common and the number of caves is destined to increase considerably. Below we report a census of little-known caves - for which information is not available elsewhere - or unpublished discovered by our team in particular by the founders of EtnaExcursion.it Dario & Paolo Teri. During an exploratory campaign that began "for fun" in 2018 and still (April 2023), about 70 have been found, not considered in the general count indicated above. Here we report only those considered most interesting from a naturalistic point of view. For the caves already surveyed we recommend a visit to EtnaNatura.it and Mungibeddu.it
Nearest known location: Monte Cacciatore / Frattura '47
Exploration: Only visitable with helmet and lights.
Taken over by: Dario Teri, Paolo Teri, Piera D'Arrigo (on 23.11.2021)
Notified to the relevant municipality on \\
The cavity is located on lavas 1614/24 at the edge with more recent lavas (1947). A peculiarity of this cave is that it is located in correspondence with several fractures, which have torn the vault longitudinally for several meters, most likely generated during the eruption of 47. The classic lava tube of lava flow consequently presents numerous blocks of rock on the bottom. On the south side, in correspondence with one of the two entrances, there is also a room of considerable size. Overall, the development is about 60 meters. The name given is derived from the proximity to Monte Cacciatore. Not far away, on the same line and altitude, about 30 meters to the south, there is another cave called “Cacciatore 2” (not included in the census, but only in the OpenStreetMap) consisting of a single large room and a narrow, barely passable channel. Nearby, the spectacular fracture of 1947 (lower) with numerous hornitos is worth a visit.
Dario Teri November 23, 2021 Unseen & Little-Known Etna Caves No Responses
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How are volcanic caves formed?
Lava tubes are very common on Etna. They form during an eruption ...
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16th August 2023 – On August 14th there was a paroxysm (a “lightning” eruption) from the summit craters which has already ended. Everything falls within the normal Etna phenomena. There is no danger for the population and visitors. The excursions are taking place regularly. GO TO NEWS