What’s happening to the Voragine? This is the question we’re all wondering about—ordinary citizens, tourists, and experts—when we gaze at the summit of Etna. Its highest peak, the Voragine crater, which has broken a historic record by reaching 3,400 meters alone, displacing the former main summit (the Northeast), seems on the verge of a major change. What will happen? And above all… is change imminent?
The VOR: what was and what is it?
Catania’s volcanologists simply call it “VOR,” or “CVOR,” like an old friend. And indeed, the Voragine crater has been a constant focus of their studies for quite some time. It was 1945, and World War 2 had just ended, when, at the foot of Etna’s central crater, a deep pit opened up… a “voragine” (chasm), in fact… that immediately seemed special. Volcanic activity was intense from the very beginning, and within a few years, that initial “hole” would become a gigantic opening. For eighty years, the Voragine existed in the shadow of the Northeast Crater, erupting rarely but noisily when it did. Then, in the summer of 2024, a series of spectacular eruptions with fountains and roars allowed this crater to surpass the others in height.
Today, the Voragine is effectively the volcano’s main peak and still alternates between periods of quiet and violent paroxysms. In recent days, a noticeable fracture line has begun to mark the crater’s eastern wall. The crack runs horizontally and vertically, cutting a “slice” of land that seems poised to collapse! However, the structure is holding up and currently appears unwilling to put on a great show. At the base of the Voragine, in June 2026, a small eruptive vent opened, expelling very dense, slow-moving magma without significant degassing. Initially, it seemed detached, but now we know there is some connection.
The new eruption
On June 25, 2026, Etna returned to the spotlight for a new eruptive phase. As described by ANSA agency and many other media outlets in recent days, the phase that began in the second half of June was characterized primarily by effusive activity: an eruptive vent located around 3,030 meters above sea level fed a lava flow that split into two main branches, with the most advanced front reaching approximately 2,800 meters above sea level. Aside from the “baby flow”, however, there are no other worrying phenomena. In fact, the site has already been inspected by guides and Forestry Corps personnel, who were able to view the lava up close.
The spectacle of Mount Etna’s eruption has attracted the interest of residents, scholars, and visitors, offering evocative images. Despite the allure of this natural phenomenon, caution and vigilance remain important. This is especially true given the fracture currently affecting the Voragine, the evolution of which is still unknown. Authorities have continued monitoring using seismic and satellite instruments and direct observations, which are essential for assessing potential risks to the surrounding areas.
Voragine fracture: should we be afraid?
Volcanologist Boris Behncke commented on the ongoing event on his social media: “This flow is the product of the Voragine, not the usual Southeast Crater, but not even the Northeast Crater, from whose eastern base it is emerging. It is emerging from the terminal part of the fracture that developed in the previous days starting from the Voragine ‘pit’, the vent that opened on the morning of December 27, 2025, coinciding with the first paroxysm of the Northeast that day.” He also added: “We note that it is not currently producing significant quantities of ash (modest ash emissions from the vent, the so-called ‘pit’, on the upper eastern flank of the Voragine crater are continuing). So we have some rather pleasant activity here, even if, in my very personal opinion, it’s a bit too much like ‘déjà vu.'”
According to Dr. Behncke, it’s premature to talk about alarms and fears. Similar activities have often resulted in nothing; perhaps tomorrow everything will stop and silence returns. But it could also start a true paroxysm, like those seen at Voragine, with roars heard everywhere and fountains of water soaring high.If, how, and when … well, it’s impossible to predict. Experts are currently consulting their computers and recording data, such as the volcanic tremor, which remains “fairly high,” but not yet on red alert. Even if a violent paroxysm were to cause the crater to collapse and a pyroclastic flow, it would likely all occur inside of the vent. And if, instead, it collapsed toward the outside, it would still be at very high altitudes, far from residential areas and tourist areas.
Always go with guides
Given the situation, if you travel to Etna in these weeks, check with the INGV in Catania beforehand regarding conditions and always hire an expert local guide. Following a guide on a hike up an erupting volcano is a fascinating experience, but it requires attention, respect for the rules, and awareness of the risks.
Volcanological guides know the area, observe the volcano’s changes, and have the necessary training to accompany visitors safely. For this reason, it is essential to always listen to their instructions and never leave the group. Before the ascent, the guide provides information on the route, the volcano’s conditions, and the rules to follow. On a volcano like Etna, especially, the environment can change rapidly: gas emissions, volcanic material falls, or changes in weather conditions may occur. The guide continuously monitors these aspects and may decide to modify the route or interrupt the hike if necessary. Following these decisions is essential to protect your safety and that of other participants. It is also important not to collect rocks or approach restricted areas, craters, or cracks in the ground. Even if some areas appear calm, they may hide high temperatures or dangerous gases. A guided tour allows you to observe the volcano responsibly, learning about its history, activity, and role in the environment.
Don’t forget to carefully follow certain rules regarding clothing and organization. It’s important to wear appropriate clothing, such as sturdy shoes, a helmet when required, a mask or protective gear for volcanic dust, and clothing suitable for variable temperatures. During the hike, proceed calmly, maintain the recommended distances, and respect the limits set by experts. If you’re ready to tackle Etna and its craters with a wise and collaborative spirit… you’ll have fun! (PHOTOS BY G. MUSUMECI AND GIOVINSKY AETNENSIS)