A Paved Road to Rifugio Sapienza on Mount Etna
Rifugio Sapienza is a high mountain refuge situated at an elevation of 1,935 meters (6,348 feet) above sea level, located in the Metropolitan City of Catania, in Italy.
Where is Rifugio Sapienza?
The mountain hut is located in the Italian region of Sicily, on the southern slope of Mount Etna. It serves as the starting point for numerous trips to the various craters of Europe’s largest volcano. From here, you can take the cable car to the higher station on Mount Etna.
How Long is the Road to Rifugio Sapienza?
The road to the hut is fully paved and is known as Strada Provinciale 92 (SP92). It stretches 36.5 kilometers (22.68 miles) from Nicolosi to Zafferana Etnea.
Is the Road to Rifugio Sapienza Steep?
The road features many steep sections, with a maximum gradient of 13% in some areas. Starting from Nicolosi, the ascent is 19 kilometers long with an elevation gain of 1,223 meters, resulting in an average gradient of 6.4%. From Zafferana, the ascent is 18 kilometers long with an elevation gain of 1,305 meters, giving an average gradient of 7.2%. The climb has been featured in the Giro d’Italia race. The road is in good condition and offers several panoramic views along the upper sections.
Is the Road to Rifugio Sapienza Closed?
Mount Etna is one of the world’s most active volcanoes and is in a nearly constant state of activity. Although the road is open year-round, it can be closed at any time due to unpredictable volcanic activity.