Pizzi Deneri Etna Observatory
The Pizzi Deneri Observatory, in the Linguaglossa area, within the Etna Park in the Pizzi Deneri area, is a volcanic monitoring center located on one of the highest points on the north side of the volcano, at an altitude of 2847 meters.
The observatory was built on a ridge overlooking the Valle del Bove, born from ancient eruptions, between 50,000 and 30,000 years ago, and is what remains of the building called "Elliptical", ancestor of Etna. The highest peak of the ridge reaches 2847 meters and offers a unique view of the Ionian coast on one side and the summit craters on the other.
The building has the shape of two domes placed side by side, the roundness of the structure allows snow and volcanic sand to slide quickly, without accumulations that can break through the ceiling or block walls and entrances. The Pizzi Deneri Observatory was the first to contain two long-base clinometers, to measure ground deformations. These instruments are housed in two corridors of 80 meters placed 10 meters deep under the structure.
