History of the Aliva 'Mpttata
A centuries-old olive tree in Misterbianco witnessed the terrifying eruption of 11 March 1669.
According to tradition, the inhabitants of Misterbianco fleeing the incandescent lava gathered in front of a large olive tree where they hung the bell weighing eighteen quintals that they had managed to save from the mother church. The touch of the bell recalled and gathered all the fellow citizens who were fleeing from the threatening lava to the place. This olive tree was given the nickname of "aliva 'mpittata", to mean that it did not yield, that it resisted the weight of the enormous bell.
Today the centuries-old olive tree is located along the Via Madonna degli Ammalati which leads to the Sanctuary of Madonna and the Campanarazzu area. Heading north, on the right side between numbers 122 and 124, adjacent to the roadside, a plaque is placed in front of the "aliva 'mpittata".
