Street map and short description of Paternò in Sicily.

The site of Paternò was occupied before 3500 BCE, when in the prehistoric vulcanetto that overhangs the town the first livings installed themselves. The inhabitants of the region were Sicani, although it lies in predominantly Siculi territories, and since its founding, the settlement was called Inessa. Shortly thereafter, citizens of Catania, in this era called Aitna, called the ancient Paternò Inessa-Aitna. Hence the name Paternò that perhaps derives from Paeter Aitanon, that is to say the "Fortress of the Etnei". In the vicinity of Paternò, however, it is very likely that two towns existed, in fact there is not only Inessa-Aitna, but many authors indicate also the presence of Hybla Mayor or Galeatis, that rose in the district northwest of the present town.