Over the centuries, through erosion the cone has acquired its current shape having a quasi-regular, prismatic-hexagonal and pentagonal section, reaching a height of 65 metres (213 ft).

The vegetation on the rock is made up of lichens and Indian fig (Opuntia ficus-indica), originally from Mexico but naturalized in the Mediterranean basin.

Archaeological studies dating back to 1954 in contrada Ardizzone, testify Greek presence in the territory around the 5th–4th centuries BC.

Motta, since as early as the 4th century BC, has held a role of considerable importance as a stronghold of warning and defence.

This role grew in the Middle Ages, during the Norman period, when Roger of Hauteville built a tower, in basalt stone, to guard the entrance of the plain of Catania and protect the area from Saracen incursions.

The other two square windows, on other levels, such as the current front door, go back to the 15th century.The ground floor was designed for military housing.