Paterna

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Paterna is a city in Valencia (province). Paterna is known primarily for being a bedroom community of Valencia, for its cave dwellings, and for its Moors and Christians celebration which culminates with the Cordà. The area is 5 km northwest of Valencia, and has been inhabited since Neolithic times due to its advantageous location near the Turía River. The town was established as a Roman estate with villa, named Paternus (from Latin meaning 'of the father'). Later during the Moorish period the growing settlement was known for agriculture and for ceramics, which continued following the Christian reconquista. The expulsion of the Moriscos in the early 17th century, however, led to depopulation and a major economic downturn, along with the cessation of ceramics production; the city did not recover until the beginning of the 19th century.