Cultural Landscape: Stone Towers on Mount Etna

A comprehensive investigation of stone towers on Mount Etna reveals their significant architectural complexity and historico-cultural-landscape validity, dating from the late 1700s to early 1900s. These unique structures, built from stones removed during agricultural land regeneration, are part of a renewable heritage that supports biodiversity while holding cultural and historical importance. The study identified 19 clearly identifiable towers across four council zones using historical documents, tower censuses, and field data. It underscores the urgent need for state intervention to preserve these towers, which are currently in a state of extreme abandonment or gradual disappearance due to agricultural land conversion.

Riguccio, L., Russo, P., Scandurra, G., & Tomaselli, G. (2013). Cultural Landscape: Stone Towers on Mount Etna. Landscape Research, 40(3), 294–317. https://doi.org/10.1080/01426397.2013.829809