Discover Presa on Mount Etna

Presa can be experienced through its landscape, religious sites, contemporary art, historic paths and Sicilian specialities. If you are looking for a destination that combines a connection with nature and local cultural heritage, the town offers several different points of interest to help you plan your trip. Its elevation and connection to Mount Etna stand alongside churches, a cave, designated trails and a culinary event.

Mount Etna Location and Views

Presa lies on the eastern slope of the Mount Etna volcano at an elevation of approximately 600 metres. Presa belongs to the municipality of Piedimonte Etneo, which is located in the Parco dell'Etna area. The Belvedere of Presa is considered a viewpoint with panoramic views. For planning the geographical layout of a visit, the Mount Etna slope is therefore Presa's geographical reference point. The town's geographical location thus brings together the volcanic landscape, its integration into a municipality on Mount Etna and a place explicitly regarded as a viewpoint.

Churches and Art in Presa

The Chiesa Maria SS. delle Grazie in Presa was built in 1846 and extended in 1873. These two years make the church's construction history a clear part of the townscape. If you would like to discover Presa through its religious buildings, this church offers a specific historical connection within the settlement.

Presa is also home to the mural “Tra Acqua e Fuoco” by the street artist Salvo Ligama. The smaller Calvario church is considered one of Presa's religious and artistic points of reference.

During the Festa di Maria SS. delle Grazie, the statue of the Madonna was carried in a procession through the streets of Presa. The festivities therefore involved not only the church but also the town's streets in the religious celebration.

Grotta Nicodemo and Trails

Grotta Nicodemo is a small cave in ancient volcanic rock in the village of Presa. It can be reached from the settlement of Presa via the road of the same name.

The Presa–Santa Venera route is designated as a 3-kilometre hiking trail. The three kilometres of the Presa–Santa Venera route provide a specific reference point for planning the duration of a hike. This should be distinguished from the Trazzera Fossazza–Presa: it was a historic path used by bakers, charcoal burners, nivaroli, woodcutters and farmers before the provincial road was built.

Local Cuisine in the Village Square

At the recurring Appuntamento Gastronomico in Presa, Pane cunzato, local wine, sweets and homemade specialities are offered in the village square. Pane cunzato is just as much a part of the event's culinary character as wine, desserts and home-prepared dishes. The recurring event ties this offering to a specific occasion in the village square in the town of Presa. If you would like to discover Sicily through its everyday food culture, this culinary event leads directly to Presa's village square.

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To the higher-level travel overview: Catania.