Paterna

Paterna is a municipality in the province of Valencia in the Valencian Community, Spain. It is located northeast of the comarca of L'Horta de Valencia, 5km northwest of Valencia, and on the left bank of the river Turia. Its population in 2014 was 67,156 inhabitants, being the eleventh city by population in the Valencian Community.GeographyThe town is characterized by an arid Mediterranean climate, with an average annual rainfall of 250ml and temperatures ranging from 5°C minimum in January to 31°C maximum in August, reaching every summer peak above 50°C.HistoryThe first signs of human settlement in Paterna back to the Neolithic and Bronze Age, and relics have been found in settlements of The Vallesa and Despeñaperros, in an area of small hills near the river Turia, which allowed the water supply. The Iberians also left their imprint in The Vallesa and Despeñaperros, where there have been found remains of a defensive wall and the walls of small huts.Documentation relating to the arrival of the Romans is limited to literary references of events near Valentia, Edeta and Saguntum. It is believed that it was at this time the original place name of Paterna was first used which is supposed to make reference to the Latin word "Paternus" or belonging to the father, alluding to the social and legal status of the property. In the municipal district, there have been found remains of an aqueduct system that extends to Massamagrell and might link through to Sagunto, a large Roman site.