Discover Paterna

Paterna appeals to travelers who want to experience nature, local history and craftsmanship as distinct aspects of a trip to Sicily. Nearby Capo Rama Nature Reserve in Terrasini adds a scenic highlight; Torre Paternella and traces of earlier settlement offer historical perspectives. In Contrada Paterna, mouth-blown glass and artistically decorated candles add another area of interest. These themes offer families different ways to decide together what will make their trip special.

Cliff scenery at Capo Rama

Nearby Capo Rama Nature Reserve sits on a high limestone cliff and features dwarf palm vegetation. The area includes a 57-hectare WWF oasis. If discovering landscapes is the main focus of your trip, Capo Rama is a clear point of interest in the area around Paterna.

The natural setting contrasts with the area’s historical associations. As you plan, you can consider whether to focus more on the landscape at Capo Rama or on the place names and traces of past settlement. This gives Paterna a character that is not limited to a single type of outing, without implying a shared route between the different places.

Torre Paternella and the history of the fiefs

Torre Paternella stands 25 m above sea level near the edge of the cliff. It is located in the area of the former Paterna fief; the area is still known as Paterna or Paternella. The territorial history is also complex: Contrada Paterna belonged, along with other large estates, to the Zucco fief, which at the time belonged to the Duke of Orléans. It lay outside the boundaries of the Terrasini fief at that time.

To reach the ruins of Torre Paternella, take the turnoff at km 298.7 from the SS 113 toward Partinico. Then continue about 150 m to the right along a farm track. The directions to the turnoff and the onward route help you plan a visit to this historical site. The elevation of 25 m refers to Torre Paternella, not to the length or gradient of a path.

There are also traces of Roman settlements in the Paterna area. Grotta Grande is called “Grottazza” in ancient sources; pirates were able to hide there. The cave and the traces of Roman settlements represent different historical associations: the ancient name and the reported hiding place on the one hand, and evidence of earlier settlement on the other. Visitors interested in history will find more here than the story surrounding the tower.

Glass and design in Contrada Paterna

Contrada Paterna is home to a factory producing mouth-blown glass and artistically decorated candles. Galarte makes mouth-blown Pyrex glass objects that are handcrafted, hand-decorated and artistically designed. These specific examples complement the area’s landscape and history with the theme of design. For travelers interested in materials and craftsmanship, glass is another distinct aspect of Paterna.

When looking for a hotel or other accommodation, you can first consider which experiences you want to shape your stay. Compare location options with your own travel plans rather than assuming a particular type of accommodation or amenities.

For more pages about local destinations, you can also explore Valledolmo, Castronovo Di Sicilia, Terrasini, Castelbuono, Petralia Sottana, Misilmeri, San Cipirello and Corleone.

For the broader travel overview: Palermo.