Mount Etna (Italy)

Mount Etna, Europe's most active and iconic volcano, towers over Sicily's eastern coast at 3,329 meters (10,922 ft). This UNESCO-listed stratovolcano erupts frequently—spewing lava fountains and ash plumes—yet supports fertile vineyards on its slopes. Ancient Greeks believed it housed Hephaestus' forge; today, its dramatic eruptions draw scientists and tourists alike. Despite threatening nearby Catania, Etna’s predictable patterns allow safe study, offering insights into volcanic processes. A natural laboratory of fire and geology, it embodies nature’s destructive power and life-giving renewal.