Mount Etna boasts many splendid centuries-old trees, true natural monuments that remind us all of nature’s eternity compared to our brief lives. Among them, the tree we call Zappinazzo is certainly worth a visit and a photo. It’s not difficult to find and is beautiful in any season, although we recommend visiting it in spring or summer.
Why “Zappinazzo”
Zappinazzo, or in Sicilian, Zappinazzu, is a Corsican pine that has seen almost every modern era. It’s said to be 300 years old, and its remarkable height— 30 meters!—confirms its enduring growth. Camouflaged among so many other pine brothers (or offsprings!), this majestic tree seems to shyly hide from tourists.
The name comes from the Sicilian term for these trees: “i zappini” or, in the singular, “u zappinu”. This particular tree, being large, thick, and old, was nicknamed “il pinaccio” (the old pine), thus “zappinazzu”. Other, more poetic but less realistic, versions suggest the name derives from an extreme form of respect: “Zio Pino.” The word “zio” (uncle) refers to an Arabic way of addressing someone you respect and really care for.
Where is the “Zappinazzo” located?
The Zappinazzo pine tree is located on the northern slope of Etna, specifically in the large pine forest of Linguaglossa. Following the Mareneve road—from Piano Provenzana or Linguaglossa—you’ll find a dirt path that enters the woods, a short distance from the Brunek-Ragabo refuges. For those arriving from Milo-Piano Provenzana, you’ll need to pass the refuges and continue for about 3 km towards Linguaglossa; if you’re driving from Linguaglossa, after 7 km you’ll see the sign for Monte Crisimo at the entrance to the dirt road.
Be careful, because the sign for Monte Crisimo is only visible when arriving from Linguaglossa, so if you descend in the opposite direction you might miss it and therefore not find the trail. Use the distance in kilometers as a guide.
Zappinazzo’s Identity Card
Its “important” name is Pinus Nigra, and it is a pine species typical of the Sila, Aspromonte, and Etna mountains. These trees can reach a maximum height of 50 meters, and they adapt to harsh environments because they don’t require much water to survive.
The bark is made up of grayish plates, and the wood is valuable, especially in the past for shipbuilding—a fact that put the Etna pine forests at risk during Roman times. Resin is still extracted from the pine trees today and used for many purposes, but the pine nuts cannot be eaten because this type of pine has inedible cones.
A tree to admire
If winter isn’t your season, and you don’t like driving through snow and ice, take notes and visit the Zappinazzo again when the weather warms up. It won’t be hard to spot it in the woods, as there’s always a wooden plaque marking its presence. You’ll immediately see, by measuring the plaque against its enormous roots, how majestic this pine is and how precious its presence on our volcano is.