Presa on the eastern slope of Mount Etna

Presa lies on the eastern slope of Mount Etna, at an altitude of about 600 metres. The town combines a clearly defined location on the volcano with attractions that can be explored in different ways during a visit: ancient volcanic rock, local religious buildings, art and historic paths. If you are looking for a destination with a distinct local character, these features provide a basis for considering Presa for your stay.

Presa is part of the municipality of Piedimonte Etneo, which is located in the Parco dell’Etna area. This places the town within a regional context while keeping its own identity in view. The following sights and paths relate directly to Presa and offer different starting points for planning your trip.

Grotta Nicodemo, a viewpoint and a walking trail

Grotta Nicodemo is a small cave in ancient volcanic rock in the locality of Presa. You can reach it from the settlement via the street of the same name. It offers a geological connection to Mount Etna alongside the town’s cultural sights: the cave is a destination in its own right for anyone interested in volcanic rock. Describing it as a small cave also conveys a different scale from the vast landscape on the volcano’s slopes.

The Belvedere of Presa is known as a viewpoint with panoramic views. Another way to connect the surrounding area with a specific route is the Presa–Santa Venera trail. It is designated as a three-kilometre walking trail. The two points of interest therefore differ in nature: the Belvedere is all about the panoramic view, while the walking trail specifies a measured distance. Check locally on the trail’s current condition before setting out.

Churches, art and local history

The Chiesa Maria SS. delle Grazie was built in 1846 and extended in 1873. These two dates mark distinct construction phases of the same church and make the extension visible as a separate chapter in its history. The smaller Church of Calvario also forms part of Presa’s religious and artistic character: it is considered one of the town’s religious and artistic landmarks. Visitors interested in religious buildings will therefore find two churches here, each with its own connection to local history.

Another cultural feature is the mural “Tra Acqua e Fuoco” by street artist Salvo Ligama, located in Presa. Together with the churches, it brings different forms of artistic expression into focus: religious buildings on the one hand and a named contemporary street-art mural on the other. This contrast helps show that the town’s cultural appeal is not limited to its religious architecture.

The Trazzera Fossazza–Presa tells the story of an older route. Before the provincial road was built, this historic path was used by bakers, charcoal burners, Nivaroli, woodcutters and farmers. These groups give the path a specific historical context: it was part of the daily lives of people in various occupations, rather than a route serving just one purpose. This distinguishes its traditional role from the Presa–Santa Venera route, which is specifically designated as a walking trail.

Local food and a recurring event

At the recurring Appuntamento Gastronomico in Presa, Pane cunzato, local wine, sweet treats and homemade specialities are offered in the village square. The event adds a culinary highlight to the town’s geological and cultural attractions. If you would like to combine your visit with this occasion, check the announced dates and programme in advance: both may vary. This lets you consider the event as a possible part of your travel plans without assuming a specific date.

Discover more destinations: Fiumefreddo Di Sicilia, Carlentini, Mascali, Aci Catena, Adrano, Santo Pietro, Mineo, Vaccarizzo-Delfino.

For the wider travel overview: Catania.