Paterno is a small town in the province of Catania, which has very ancient roots. The area of the city was inhabited 3, 5 thousand years ago – probably the first inhabitants of these places were sicani. Originally the settlement was called Inessa, and its current name comes from the Greek words "Pater aition", which means "Fortress of Etna". In addition, Northwest Paterno had traces of another ancient city, named Illia Major or Galeata.

In the Greek and Roman era Paterno was a modest provincial centre, and at the end of the first Millennium it is almost deserted. In the period of Arab domination in Sicily, the city was known as Baterna. The Normans, who conquered the island in the middle of the 11th century, restored to the city its name – Paterno. In the same period he began his heyday. King Federigo III built the so-called "Camera Reginale" – the Queen's quarters, which was presented as a wedding gift to his bride Eleanor of Anjou. Later they were inherited to all Queens of Sicily. The heyday of Paterno continued until the 15th century when the city became the feudal property and lost its value.

Historically the area around Paterno has always suffered from epidemics of malaria, because it is situated on marshy Catania plain. However, in the 20th century this problem was solved, and in the 1960-1970-ies there has been rapid urban development.

Among the main attractions of a small Paterno can be called the Norman castle, built in 1072 by order of Roger I of Sicily, and numerous churches. So, the Church Chiesa Madre di Santa Maria Dell'alto was built in 1342 and substantially rebuilt in the early 18th century. It is connected by picturesque staircase to Porta del Borgo. In the Gothic Church of San Francesco Alla Collina preserved elements of Baroque decorations, and the Church of San Martino al Monte is famous for its Rococo style. You should pay attention to the Church of Santa Maria della Valle di Losefat 11th century with amazing Gothic portal.