Paternò

On the south-western slopes of Etna, Paternò is enclosed in a basin bounded by the ancient prehistoric volcano, where the first inhabited nucleus was built. The historic center, bordered by new neighborhoods, is called by the inhabitants "Historical Hill", and contains the most important monuments of the city: numerous historic buildings, first of all Palazzo di Città (former Alessi Palace), followed by Palazzo Moncada, belonged to a noble family of Catalan origin. The symbolic monument of Paternò is Norman Castle, built in 1072 by Gran Conte Ruggero in the form of a parallelepiped, like French and English donjon fortified in the same period. From its terrace you can admire a breathtaking view up to Simeto valley. Among religious buildings, the 16th century Sanctuary dedicated to Madonna della Consolazione, Church of the SS. Annunziata and Santa Barbara. Just outside the town are Complex of San Francesco sul Colle, the famous Scalinata della Matrice, which connects the church to ancient entrance gate, a series of mills and Moncada Garden, the green lung of Paternò. Among naturalistic areas, Oasis of Ponte Barca and Salinelle, area of volcanic baths. The main events are the feast in honor of the patron saint, Santa Barbara (December 4) and Carnevale di Paetrnò, one of the oldest Carnival in Sicily.