Paterna: Cave Dwellings, Ceramics and History

Paterna offers a range of cultural and natural attractions for a stay. Cave dwellings, ceramics and a historic defensive tower reveal different sides of the town; Bosc de la Vallesa offers opportunities for walking, running and cycling.

Cave Dwellings and Their History

Espai Cultural Coves del Batà comprises eight interconnected cave dwellings covering a total area of 450 square metres. They house ethnological exhibitions organised by theme. The dwellings and exhibition themes thus form part of a shared cultural venue. If you are interested in living spaces and ethnological topics, this venue offers a fitting focus for planning your trip.

Cuevas de Paterna are underground dwellings excavated in geologically distinctive soils at the boundary between irrigated farmland and dryland. The origins of the Cuevas del Batán and Cuevas del Castillo groups are thought to date back to the Arab period. Their use became established in the 18th and 19th centuries. The cautious attribution of their origins and the later centuries of use describe different periods in their history.

Ceramics and Architectural History

Museo Municipal de Cerámica de Paterna houses around 9,000 catalogued medieval and modern-era ceramic pieces. These include socarrats, rodells, and green-and-manganese, blue, utilitarian and lustreware ceramics. The museum presents the town’s pottery tradition from the 12th or 13th century to the late 16th century. It is housed in a former town hall building dating from 1881. A visit therefore brings together two distinct time periods: the history of the building and the longer development of the ceramics tradition.

Another historic landmark is Torre de Paterna. It was built between the late 11th and early 12th centuries as part of Valencia’s defensive belt. The tower has three floors and a terrace with panoramic views over Huerta de Valencia. In 1971, it was declared a Bien de Interés Cultural. Its construction and protected status mark two clearly distinct milestones in its history.

Guided Tours, Festival and Time Outdoors

La Cordà de Paterna is recognised as an intangible Bien de Interés Cultural and a festival of national tourist interest. The specific programme may vary. If the festival is important to your trip, check the dates and schedule in advance before planning around it.

Tourist Info Paterna offers free guided tours for groups, with advance reservation, of the municipality’s most important monuments and museums. There are also monthly changing routes and guided tours, available by prior registration. If you plan to join a tour, check in advance for a suitable date and the current registration options.

At Bosc de la Vallesa, you can walk, run and cycle. These activities offer different ways to include exercise in your stay. Alongside the cultural venues, they offer a choice between a visit focused more on history and collections and time spent outdoors.

Discover more destinations: Bétera, Yátova, La Torre D'en Besora, Montroy, Estivella, Faura, Burjassot, Los Cojos

For the broader travel overview: Valencia.