The tower of the Norman Castle of Paternò dominates from the high of the basaltic volcanic origin hill on which is placed. The historians don’t agree about the building date but the presence of a primary Norman structure seems sure. The building of the castle seems to be a Count Ruggero’s wish, in 1072, on the base of a previous Arab fortress, in order to weaken the Muslim power in Catania and to defende the eastern Sicily against Saracen raids. This fortress had not an only military function, but it was a lord residence too, and a prison in the period of Moncada till 1860, then a gathering place.
It was Emperor Federico II of Svevia and Count Enrico of Paternò’s residence.
The lavic stone made tower is 34 m. high, has a square plant and presents chalky stone openings. The first level has on a side four double lancet windows; on the upper level there is a bigger one and all of them are very elegant and spotlight the posh appearence of the tower. The entry is placed on the north side and permits the access to a vestibule from which it is possible to go up to the superior level by a wall stair.
The first level is costituted by a weapons room, while in the last level we find a big tunnel with groin vault.  Lastly, the upper terrace reachable from an internal stair.
Both the first and the second level are floored with cooked, while the groud flooor is floored with porphyry. All rooms have a barrel voult.
In the next St. Giovanni’s Chapel there are very important frescos of the XIII century.
Today to visit the Castle, whom conditions are excellent, is free, according to the following hours: every day from 09.00 a.m. to 13.00 p. m.