Paterna origins are directly linked to the benefits
derived from the medicinal waters in the area.
The Roman families from Cádiz visited the baths
in the nearby Gigonza, which is famous for its medicinal
spa. Bysantines and Visigoths were other visitors. The
Moslims also made use of the Fuente Santa and Gigonza
baths "Valley of the Baths".
In the 19th century the number of visitors to
the Gigonza and Fuente Santa medicinal baths increased
considerably between June and September, thus improving
the local population's standard of living.
Paterna de Riviera continues to maintain its old traditions
and its economy is now based on agriculture and livestock,
for which it is very well known.
Paterna is also famous for its herds of fighting bulls,
and is at the very heart of the Bull's Route. It has
been the site of the Andalucian "Doma Vaquera"
championships, the Spanish Campionships in '97 and the
European Campionships in 2001.
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