The Green Giant: The Chestnut of 100 Horses

In the woods of Carpineto, in Sant'Alfio (Eastern side of Etna), lives a living being that has seen Romans, Arabs, Normans, and Spaniards pass by. It is the Chestnut of the Hundred Horses, a monumental tree that UNESCO has declared a 'Messenger of Peace'.

The Numbers of the Record

It is estimated to be between 3,000 and 4,000 years old. It is considered the oldest and largest chestnut tree in the world. Its trunk measured (before splitting into multiple suckers) almost 58 meters in circumference!

Today it appears as three large separate trunks, but excavations have shown that they belong to the same root. It is a true survivor, having escaped lava flows and lightning for millennia.

The Legend of the Queen

The name derives from a fascinating legend. It is said that Queen Joan of Aragon (or perhaps Joan I of Anjou), during a hunting trip on Etna, was surprised by a violent storm. She and her entire retinue of one hundred knights and horses found shelter under the immense foliage of this single tree. A giant natural umbrella!

The Visit

The tree is located in a fenced and protected area, but can be visited for free (or with a small contribution). It is a magical place where you can perceive the sacredness of nature. Nearby there is also the 'Chestnut of the Ship', another millennial giant worth a visit.

An Ecosystem in a Tree

The tree is so large that it has its own ecosystem. Birds nest among its branches, small mammals live in the hollow trunk. It is a monument to the resilience of nature.

In 1745, the first environmental protection act in history was issued precisely to protect this chestnut tree. It was the first 'nature park' before its time!

Why Choose It

• Oldest tree in Europe
• UNESCO Heritage
• Legend of the 100 Knights
• Easily accessible by car
• Immersed in the woods of Sant'Alfio

Practical Info

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