Monte Zoccolaro, Mountain summit in Sicily, Italy
Monte Zoccolaro is a mountain summit in Sicily that rises to 1739 meters and overlooks the Valle del Bove and the eastern craters of Mount Etna. The peak is accessible from nearby Piano del Vescovo and offers wide views from the top across the volcanic surroundings and the characteristic erosional landscape of the region.
The mountain formed like the entire surrounding area through volcanic activity of Mount Etna over thousands of years. In the 20th century the summit received its religious marking when the community decided to place a monument in the landscape.
A wooden cross crowns the summit, erected in 1948 by priest Salvatore Russo, and marks a place where annual religious gatherings take place each September. The site draws pilgrims and visitors who come to this sacred spot overlooking the volcanic landscape.
Several hiking routes lead to the mountain, with the route from Piano del Vescovo being the easiest and taking about two hours on foot. The best time to hike is early morning when weather is more stable and visibility stretches further.
The Valle del Bove below the summit shows clear traces of centuries of lava flows that shaped the ground into irregular patterns. This erosional pattern is visible so clearly from this vantage point that few other spots on Mount Etna show it as well.
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