Paternò, Medieval commune in eastern Sicily, Italy
Description
Paternò is a commune in the Metropolitan City of Catania in eastern Sicily. It sits on a hill on the southwestern slope of Mount Etna and overlooks the Simeto valley.
History
The site once held Hybla Major, a Siculian settlement known during Greek times for its dream interpretation temple. The Norman conquest brought the castle in 1072, which was rebuilt in the 14th century.
Culture
The name comes from the Latin "Paternionis", referring to a Roman settler. The medieval core shows Norman arches and narrow lanes leading to small squares where locals gather in the evening.
Practical
State roads connect the commune to surrounding towns. The Circumetnea narrow-gauge railway stops here on its loop around the volcano.
Did you know?
Silver treasures unearthed in 1909 count among the most important finds from the region and now rest in Berlin's Old Museum. The discovery included several vessels and ornamental objects from antiquity.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Metropolitan City of Catania).
Etnaland
4.5 km
Castello Normanno
573 mCalanchi del Cannizzola
9.9 km
Santa Barbara
316 m
Santa Maria dell'Alto
582 m
Santissima Annunziata
277 m
Santuario della Madonna della Consolazione
712 m
Poira Castle
7.1 km
Santa Maria della Valle di Iosaphat
476 m
Ponte romano di Pietralunga
3.3 km
Giardino Moncada
939 mPoggio Cocola
6.9 km
Steps of the Matrix
484 mAbbazia di Santa Maria la Scala
1.2 km
Madonna dell'Itria
340 m
Church of St.Catherine of Alexandria
328 m
Palazzo Moncada
396 m
San Francesco
610 mFonte Maimonide
803 m
Museo cívico Gaetano Savasta
267 m
Palazzo Alessi
403 m
Chiesa di Cristo al Monte
595 mTorre dei Falconieri
362 mChiesa del Carmine
371 mChiesa di San Domenico
130 m
Madonna delle Grazie
409 m
San Francesco di Paola
241 m
Chiesa di Santa Margherita
166 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes