The Historic Garden
Nestled among lava rocks, Paternò del Toscano Park spans approximately 4 hectares, offering a unique landscape that blends aesthetic harmony with botanical interest.
Some plants have been declared monumental, and the entire garden has been placed under the protection of the Superintendence for Environmental Heritage of the Sicilian Region.
The garden’s design follows a naturalistic style, unfolding over an ancient lava flow dating back to 1444 AD. The dramatic elevation changes create a dynamic interplay of open spaces and hidden corners.
Within the garden, visitors can admire two distinct areas: the Etnean woodland and the subtropical vegetation, which hosts collections of palms, succulents, and a rock garden. Together, they form a natural, harmonious, and uniquely captivating landscape.
The Etnean Woodland
This is the part of the garden where Ettore Paternò used to say that “the hand of God was present,” for its natural beauty that captivates and amazes visitors. A winding network of paths leads to unexpected corners, revealing stunning scenic effects through a play of light and shadow.
Towering trees and fragrant shrubs cast their reflections on the ponds where water lilies bloom, while lush ferns emerge from lava rocks draped in moss—even in the peak of summer heat.
Subtropical Vegetation
The tropical plants in the park originate from various parts of the world, including Australia, Chile, Mexico, India, and South Africa. Planted over 60 years ago, they have now reached astonishing heights.
Today, the park showcases an impressive variety of palm trees, each with uniquely shaped crowns, alongside rare shrubs and bushes such as Cycads, Agaves, Aloes, Zamias, Dasylirions, and various species of Encephalartos.
The New Urban Park
In 2022, the Paternò del Toscano family, in memory of Ettore, decided to create an Urban Park open to the public. Thanks to the support of the Ministry of Culture, this vision becomes a reality in 2025. Designed to inspire, educate, and connect people of all ages with the beauty of nature, the park offers a unique space for learning and exploration.
“We created this garden to welcome schools and families, fostering education on biodiversity and encouraging direct engagement with the environment. Here, both children and adults can explore local flora and fauna, participate in workshops and educational activities, and learn the importance of respecting and preserving our ecosystem. It is a green oasis in the heart of the city, where nature takes center stage as a tool for growth and awareness.”
The new park features a citrus collection, a vegetable garden, an orchard, a sensory trail, an amphitheater, and an educational greenhouse. It is also equipped with parking facilities, restrooms, and Wi-Fi access.
ETTORE PATERNÒ DEL TOSCANO
The park was created by Ettore Paternò del Toscano, a passionate “gardener,” as he loved to call himself. From an early age, he spent time in the famous Bellini Garden in Catania, learning the art and secrets of gardening from the experienced caretakers.
After the war, he purchased the lava terrain in Sant’Agata li Battiati to build his home and establish his garden.
In the 1960s, he experimented with subtropical vegetation, firmly believing that Sicily’s climate could support such plants. As a pioneer, he began cultivating them and seamlessly integrated them into the landscape.
Beyond his own garden, Ettore Paternò started designing gardens for friends, and soon his reputation grew. He was entrusted with creating the gardens for Valtur hotels in Sicily, as well as in Calabria and Puglia. His work extended to gardens in Rome, Capri, and Lugano. Over the years, he designed approximately 60 gardens, each bearing his unmistakable style.
He received numerous awards, including a special mention in 2010 for the Pietro Porcinai Prize.
Ettore Paternò was invited to present his work at AIAPP, the Italian Association for Landscape Architecture, which welcomed him as a member.
Over the years, the Paternò del Toscano Park has attracted numerous visitors, including members of various Italian Garden Clubs and the prestigious Royal Horticultural Society. The park has also been admired by renowned landscape architects, garden designers, botanists, and directors of botanical parks worldwide.
One of the most notable admirers was the famous Brazilian architect Burle Marx, who was captivated by the way Ettore Paternò had arranged groups of Trachycarpus fortunei on a terrace, reinterpreting the Islamic patio style typical of Mediterranean architecture.
The Map
At the entrance of the park, you will find a map to guide you through scenic trails, equipped areas, breathtaking viewpoints, and must-see botanical attractions. Whether you are a nature enthusiast, a plant lover, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, the park has something for everyone. Use the map to navigate and make the most of your visit.
