"M.G. Fracastoro" (Serra la Nave):

The mountain station M.G. Fracastoro of the Catania Astrophysical Observatory is located on the southern slope of Mt. Etna volcano at Serra La Nave (1735 m a.s l). It is about 30 km away from Catania and and 15 km from Nicolosi the last town on the road to Serra La Nave.

To reach the observatory follow the detailed directions that follows. Both cars and buses can turn in the parking area close to the custody building.

Since temperature can reach few Celsius degrees even during the Summer, it is suggested to carry warm clothes and shoes for the mountain.  It is also recommended to carry torch for the evening.

Suggested routes:

From Catania: go toward "Nicolosi" (SP 10), after the Nicolosi village continue following the road SP 92 toward Etna.

Catania - M.G. Fracastoro Observatory: 35 km - Estimated arrival time 1h 10m.

From Messina: at the end of the highway continue following directions   "tangenziale di Catania" toward Soud, take "Gravina - Etna" exit and follow toward "Nicolosi - Etna" (SP 10), after the Nicolosi village continue following the road SP 92 toward Etna.

From Siracusa o Enna: once arrived close to Catania take "tangenziale di Catania" toward Nord, then  take   "Gravina - Etna" exit and follow toward "Nicolosi - Etna" (SP 10), after the Nicolosi village continue following the road SP 92 toward Etna.

Nicolosi - M.G. Fracastoro: 16 km - Estimated arrival time: 30 minuti.

Detailed directions: All along SP 92 (after Nicolosi village) follow road signs "Osservatorio Astrofisico" (see picture above).

Once reached km 16,8 turn left as indicated by the road sign (see picture below).

Once here turn left carefully as directed!

Go on about 500 meters,  on the right you'll see the Observatory entrance road (see next picture).

The Observatory entrance road is indicated by a the blue sign displayed  in the above picture.

Both cars and buses can be maneuvered in the parking area in front of the custody building.