The
great volcano Etna, Sicily (Italy)
Mount Etna
(also known as Mongibeddu in Sicilian and Mongibello
in Italian) is an active volcano on the east coast
of Sicily, close to Messina and Catania. It is the
largest active volcano in Europe, currently standing
about 3,350 m (10,991 ft) [1] high, though it should
be noted that this varies with summit eruptions; the
mountain is 21.6 m (71 ft) lower now than it was in
1865. It is the highest mountain in Italy south of
the Alps. Etna covers an area of 1190 km² (460
square miles) with a basal circumference of 140 km.
This makes it by far the largest of the three active
volcanoes in Italy, being nearly three times the height
of the next largest, Mount Vesuvius. (click
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