Capital of theBasilicata, Potenza is the city of 100 stairs. The characteristic historic center will be the setting for your trip to the Lucanian city. Here is a guide for you that can support you in organizing your holiday, helping you to understand what to see in Potenza and what to visit in the Lucanian city.
The first thing we need to look into iswhere Potenza is located. Located 819 meters above sea level, it develops north-west of theLucanian Dolomites. The origins of Potenza (ancientPotentia) date back to the 4th century BC and most likely come from the nearby distributionVaglio greenhouse(11th century BC).Power it was hit hard by the 1980 earthquake and by the previous ones in recent centuries but it has completely recovered and the most important places are now made completely usable thanks to targeted anti-seismic interventions. Potenza is the regional capital of Basilicata and is located 100 kilometers from the other capital city (of the province),Matera.
Power what to see
Potenza is a "vertical" city, with ups, downs and many stairs. It is very quiet and undoubtedly suitable for those who seek relaxation and harmony from their holiday. We have created a guide that will help you understandwhat to do in Potenza and what to see.
What to visit in Potenza: places of interest
TO Power, things to seethere are many, even though this city is not large. Among the many we advise you not to miss it.
Churches of Potenza
1Church of San Michele Arcangelo
The Church of San Micheleit is the oldest in the city of Potenza and is among the longest-standing monuments that you will find yourself visitingSt. Michael's Church, in Romanesque style, was built in 1178. In 1849 the church underwent an expansion. It has three naves and contains several valuable works: paintings, sculptures, wooden carvings, most from the 16th century. It is located a short walk from the centerPiazza Mario Pagano, the main one in the city, the place where thenightlife in Potenza, Basilicata.
2 St. Gerard's Cathedral
The St. Gerard's Cathedraland the Cathedralof the city and is undoubtedly the most important religious monument ofPower. Majestic and elegant, it is dedicated toPatron Saintof the Lucanian city,Saint Gerard(to the centuryGerardo Della Porta) who worked here as bishop of the city. TheCathedralIt has its origins in the 12th century but has been remodeled several times, until it acquired the neoclassical style we know today. On the entrance portal there is a 17th century coat of armsbishop Bonaventure. There Chapel of San Gerardoit is located in the transept on the right of the church while the left transept houses theBlessed Sacrament. The celebrations for the patron saint take place on May 30th and are preceded, on the eve, by the historic "Turkish Parade".
3 Church of San Francesco d'Assisi
The Church of San Francesco in Potenzait is one of the oldest in the Lucanian city. It dates back to 1274 and has a stone facade. Built with a single nave, it is a church in full Franciscan style. To the left of the church is the “Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian"Of Giovanni Todisco, Lucanian painter. On the right is the “Madonna with Child” of the 13th century also called “The Madonna of the Earthquake” by the natives. Therechurch of San Francesco d'Assisiit is enriched by a 16th century portal made up of eight series of panels representing the Christological monogram of San Bernardino of Siena and by a stone bell tower located on the rear part of the place of worship. ThereChurch of San Francescoit is located in a hidden corner ofPiazza Mario Pagano.
4 Church ofSaint Lucia
The Church of Santa Luciain Potenza it was located outside the city walls (today in the historic center, in the districtSalt racka) around 1200. Inside the church there are works of art from the end of the 16th century and the beginning of the 17th, the years in which the village ofSauce holder. It has a single nave. Behind the main altar, in an aedicule, there is a seventeenth-century wooden statue ofSaint Lucia, whose authorship is unknown. The holy water stoup from the Church of Santa Maria del Sepolcro is valuable.The opening hours of the church of Santa Lucia: from 9.00 to 13.00 and from 17.00 to 20.00.
5 Church ofSanta Maria del Sepolcro
There is no certainty about the origin of theChurch of Santa Maria del Sepolcrolocated inSanta Maria district, outside the city walls. The church is located at a crossroads between the ancient Roman streets Appia Nuova and Erculea. This is where hagiography wants thebishop Gerard, then Saint Gerard the patron saint, performed the miracle of transmuting water into wine or made it flow from a rock. There are those who even hypothesize a foundation due to the Templars (12th century), according to more recent studies. The church, however, has undergone several renovations.
A first reconstruction dates back to 1488 (as per the epigraph) and a subsequent restoration in 1652, at the behest of the Count of Potenza,Antonio de Guevara. The facade ofChurch of the SepulchreIt has a three-arched portico. Initially the church had a single nave but the 17th century restoration annexed a left nave. The church has several altars of fine workmanship, almost all dating back to the 17th century. The main altar, in Baroque style, has various stucco decorations. An urn containing the relic of theBlood of Christplaced in this place in June 1656 byMonsignor Bonaventura Claverio.
Inside the church a series of pictorial works byAntonio Stabile and Onofrio Palumbo. One stands outImmaculate with Saint Francis and San Rocco(second half of the 16th century), theMadonna delle Grazie with Saint Francis and Saint Patrick the bishop(1582) and aAdoration of the Shepherds by Giovanni Ricca(17th century).
6 Church of the Holy Trinity
The Church of the Holy Trinityis located in the heart of the historic center of Potenza, inVia Pretoriaand close to theDuca della Verdura square(1844) also known as “fish square” because the city market took place here. The origins of the church are ancient, around the 12th century but it was completely rebuilt following the earthquake of 1857. The interior has a single nave and is adorned with Baroque style altars.
7 Temple of San Gerardo
The Temple of San Gerardo, patron saint of the city, is located on what was once a snow house, on the corner ofPiazza Matteottiand on the well-known city wall. The half-bust of the saint was created byMichele Busciolanoand can be dated to 1865. The two dates on the left are interesting and recall key moments in the city of Potenza: the invasion of brigands in 1809 and the insurrection of 18 August 1860.
8 Chapel of the Blessed Bonaventura
The chapel of the Blessed Bonaventurait is located where his birthplace was. The chapel is located in an alley of the same nameVia Pretoria. Inside there are two rooms. The red stone altar with baroque design and the holy water font come frommonastery of San Luca. In this chapel some relics of the blessed are kept in a wooden urn placed in an aedicule on the wall and in two small reliquaries made of wood and metal. Inside there is theLast supper, painted byMario Prayer.
9 Via Pretoria
Via Pretoriait is the best-known street in the city. It was almost certainly theDecumanus” Roman and assumed its current shape only at the end of the 19th century, following the demolition of somedoors and cuntane (alleys). Located in the center of Potenza, also known as "above Potenza", Via Pretoria has long been Potenza's shopping street.
Over time the city has expanded to the foot of the hill that hosts it and many locals have moved down, especially alongVia del Gallitello. Via Pretoria, however, a completely pedestrian street that starts from what was once a gateway to the city,Porta Salza(no longer present but the area is well known to the people of Potenza) to arrive along the main squares (Piazza Mario Pagano and Seat Square) on the opposite side of the ridge, the shopping and café street of Potenza remains.
Also thanks to the cultural attractions such as theFrancesco Stabile Theatre, cinemas and museums, as well as some main institutional places (Town Hall, from the province and Prefecture). An aperitif inVia Pretoriashould be included in the listPower: what to do".
Main squares of Potenza
10 Piazza Mario Pagano
Piazza Mario Paganoit is the best known in Potenza. Also known as “Prefecture square“, is located in the heart of the historic center of Potenza. Divides in twoVia Pretoriaand hosts theGovernment Palace, The Stable Theatreand some noble palaces. Designed byIntendant Iurloin 1838 it was followed in the works by the architectD'Errico. The square, yesMarket Squaresince it hosted the Sunday market, it was dedicated in 1870 toMario Paganojurist born inBrienzain 1778 and executed in 1799 because he was an activist and supporter of the constitution of the Neapolitan Republic. In the southern area of the square are the porticoes known as thoseof Upimbecause of the department stores that have been housed here for decades. In the squareMario Pagano and Via Pretoria“the struscio Potenza” takes place.
11 Piazza Matteotti
From Via Pretoria, coming fromSauce holderand immediately after the building that houses theBank of Italy, Here you arePiazza Matteottialso known as “seat square” place where the aristocracy met to elect representatives.Piazza MatteottiIt has an elongated shape and is the oldest square in the historic center (prior to the more famous PPiazza Mario Pagano), dating back to the Middle Ages. 19th century buildings overlook the square, including the building that houses the city government.
12 Francesco Stabile Theatre
The Francesco Stabile Theatreit was born following a petition from the citizens of Potenza in 1856. The following year, however, the violent earthquake that hit several towns in the region forced the builders to interrupt the construction work. The resumption of work came afterUnification of Italy, in 1865, withGiuseppe Pisanti. TheFrancesco Stabile Theatreit was inaugurated by kingUmberto Iin 1881. It was only in 1990, after yet another earthquake, that theStable Theatrehe saw the light again and showed his beauty. Although miniature, it closely resembles the noble oneSan Carlo Theater in Naples. The Stable Theatreis located inPiazza Mario Paganoand also has a small area of around one hundred seats.
13 Government Palace and Villa of the Prefect
The Government Palaceof Potenza is located inPiazza Mario Pagano. Headquarters ofPrefecturebut also of province. Like many buildings in the Lucanian capital, theGovernment Palaceor of thePrefectureit suffered the violent and devastating earthquake of 1857. Rebuilt and modernized in 1860, today it is one of the symbols of the city. Adjacent toGovernment Palaceis the "Prefect's Villa” , another symbolic place of the Lucanian capital and the gardens ofGovernment Palace, built in the 19th century and located on some terraces due to the verticality of the city.
Museums in Potenza
14 Dinu Adamesteanu National Archaeological Museum
The Dinu Adamesteanu National Archaeological Museumis named after the first superintendent of theBasilicata, the Romanian archaeologistAdamesteanu. It preserves an important collection of ceramics, religious objects, jewelery belonging to the Greek and Roman era, pottery and much more, found in various sites in the region. The museum is located inside theLoffredo Palace(17th century), located behindvia Pretoria. The museum extends over two floors and occupies approximately 2000 meters of surface area, for a total of 8 sections and 22 rooms.The cost of the entrance ticketis 2.50 euros, reduced 1.25 euros.Opening days and hours:Monday 2.00pm-8.00pm; Tuesday-Sunday 9.00-20.00 Weekly closing: Monday morning; Ticket office hours: Monday 2.00pm-7.30pm; Tuesday-Sunday 9.00-19.30;Reservation: None.Phone:0971 21719. A visit to this Museum is to be included in the “Power: what to see".
15 Provincial Archaeological Museum
The Provincial archaeological museumof Potenza preserves finds from the major sites of the province. Damaged by a fire at the beginning of the 20th century and by the bombings of the Second World War, the museum was re-established in a new location (the current one) in 1962. In 1980 it suffered the devastating earthquake and many artefacts were transferred for then be hosted again in this space, with inauguration in 1997. Inside there are many objects and finds from the Greek city ofMetapontum.
16 Diocesan Museum
The Diocesan Museum of Potenza,set up in the room on the ground floor of the seventeenth-century building of the former Seminary, it represents for those who visit it an important opportunity to 'recognise', through the works, the main peculiarities that distinguish the artistic culture of the region and the history of the ancient diocese of Potenza mediated by the story of the micro-history of each individual good. The museum itinerary presents, in this first exhibition, furnishings and sacred objects from the cathedral and some parishes of the city: works from the 16th to the 20th century.
17 National Library of Potenza
The National Library of Potenzainitially it was the detached section of theNational Library of Naples. It has been autonomous since the end of 1985. Since 1995, due to the unusability of the old headquarters, it has been located in the premises ofPalazzo Giuzio in via Del Gallitelloand extends over an area of over 6,000 m2. It is located on several floors and is divided into seven rooms. Of interest isLucanian sectionwhich collects books and writings from the region.
The 6 Gates of the city of Potenza
The city of Potenza originally had 6 gates that allowed entry into the city:
- Sauce holder,
- Trinity Gate,
- Carrying it,
- Porta San Gerardo,
- Porta San Giovanni
- Porta San Luca.
Only 3 of these doors have reached us:Porta San Gerardo, Porta San Giovanni and Porta San Luca.
18 Sauce holder
Sauce holderit stood between the village of the same name and the city walls.Sauce holderwas placed in the directionTaranto and Naples. Even if the gate no longer exists, its area is well known in Potenza and, in fact, is located at the beginning ofvia Pretoria, in front of the exitEscalators of Santa Lucia. In this area is located theChurch of Santa Lucia.
19 Porta San Luca
The Porta San Lucaowes its name to the convent ofclarifiers of San Lucalocated nearby. The monastery was suppressed with the decree of 17 February 1861, which abolished the monastic orders of both sexes in the Neapolitan and Sicilian provinces. It is currently the headquarters of the Provincial Carabinieri Command. Around 1925 the ancient monastery was embellished by the construction of porticoes. The carabinieri barracks was initially dedicated toMario Paganoand subsequently to the Carabinieri lieutenant from PotenzaOrazio Petruccelli, who died in Kefalonia in 1943. ThePorta di San Lucait is one of three still visible and is located between Piazza Bonaventura and the end ofVia Pretoriaon the opposite side ofSauce holder.
20 Porta San Gerardo
The Porta San Gerardo, from the Norman era, owes its name toCathedralnamesake which overlooks the square. It is located betweenBishop's Palace and the Palazzo Scafarelli. Porta San Gerardofollows the medieval walls and connects the area ofPotenza Cathedralwith the parallel area ofVia Due Torri.
21 Porta San Giovanni
Porta San Giovanniit is of Norman construction, like thePorta San Gerardo. The name of the gate is due to the hospital of the same name which was located outside the city walls and which today no longer exists. The gate, originally flanked by two watchtowers, was rebuilt due to the serious damage suffered following the earthquake of 23 November 1980 and is now incorporated into modern buildings. It is one of the access points toVia Pretoria, pedestrian artery of the Lucanian city.
22 Musmeci Bridge
The Musmeci Bridgeit can be defined as a gate to the city as it allows access to the capital, overlooking the riverBasento,to motorists coming from the Sicignano-Potenza junction (Potenza center exit). An interesting modern sculpture, a valuable engineering work, the bridge was designed in 1969 by architects Musmeci and Dotti.
23 Escalators
The Potenza Escalatorsthey were inaugurated in 1994 to facilitate movement in the "vertical" city. There are several access points for the escalators. The first is that ofViale Marconiwith completely underground escalators that end in a buildingAugust 18th Square. From here, without going outside, with the help of municipal lifts, you get toVia del Popolo, parallel tovia Pretoria, a stone's throw fromPiazza Mario Pagano. The escalators at the valley floor (equipped bridge), however, they are more recent and have a modern structure in glass and laminated wood which allows you to observe the outside while going up or down. The exit of the escalators, for those coming from the valley floor, is in the ancient village ofSauce holder(Saint Lucia). This is where it beginsvia Pretoria. The other escalators are located invia Armellini, in the lower part ofvia Mazzini.
24 Guevara Tower
The Guevara Towerit is the only remaining part of the ancient castle located in the highest area of the city; it was part of the defensive structure that was demolished over the years. Artistic and cultural assets are currently preserved inside the tower and are undoubtedly worth a visit.
25 Via Due Torri
Via Due Torrishe is very well known in the city. Located in the immediate vicinity ofvia Pretoria, hosts, among others, the historic 2 Torri cinema and theater. It follows the entire route of the medieval walls of Potenza and takes its name from the two towers of Aragonese origin found here. It runs alongside one of the city's entrance gates,Porta San Gerardo. It is a very narrow street, like many others that wind through the historic center of the Lucanian capital.
26 Via Serrao and Largo Pignatari
Via Serrao, in Potenza, is another narrow street in the historic center. Of note are the stone houses that have undergone restoration, especially after the 1980 earthquake. Followingvia Serraoyou get toLargo Pignatariwhere you notice theCiccotti palacedating back to the 17th century. It was here that the Sanfedists were defeated in 1799. Always followingvia Serraowe arriveLoffredo palacealso saidComitalwanted byGuevara accounts, today home to theAdamesteanu national archaeological museum.
27 Parade of the Turks
On the eve of the patron saint of Potenza,Saint Gerard(May 30th), the historic event takes placeParade of the Turksalso calledParade of the Turks. Until 1885 theParade of the Turksit had another fixed date, May 12th. Since it is held in honor of the patron saint, it has been moved to a date closer to the celebrations ofSaint Gerard. Legend has it that, in the month of May, a group of Saracens led by theGrand Turk, going up theBasento river,they arrived in the city. The people of Potenza, warned by a light in the sky and by the angels, had time to organize themselves to drive away the enemy. It is said that this was a miracle of Saint Gerard. Thereparade of the Turks, starts from the Duomo, during the evening of May 29th. It presents the protagonists of the story: slaves, Saracens, angels (children), knights, the Grand Turk with his carriage, ladies, archers, count, countess and, finally, the small temple with the image ofSaint Gerardat the end of the parade.
Basilicata, tourism: quick information on Potenza
28Potenza: how to get there and how to get around
Potenza, how to get there:the best way to reach the city is to use the train service (Potenza is on the route that connects Taranto to the most important Italian cities) or travel by car, via the state road 407Basentana. If you wish to reach the Lucanian capital by plane, theclosest airport to Potenzais that ofBari Paleseor alternatively that ofNaples Capodichino.
Power, how to move:the best way to visit the city of Potenza is on foot; the city is in fact small in size and a nice walk will allow you to fully enjoy the beauty of the city. The escalators are of great help as they allow you to reach the center without having to make much effort.
29Where to eat in Potenza
Potenza, where to eat: Basilicata is famous for its tasty and flavourful cuisine. So there are a lot of themrestaurants in Potenzawhere you can enjoy good dishes belonging to the Lucanian tradition. Among the many dishes to include in the list “Power: what to eat” we remind you to enter:strascinati crumbled with bran puparuli,main ingredient of the cuisine of Potenza and Lucania,broad beans and chicory, canestrato from Moliterno or pecorino from Filiano, recognized typical local cheese. Alternatively, there are severalpizzerias in Potenzawho present an offer according to local, Neapolitan or national tradition.
30Where to sleep in Potenza
Potenza, where to sleep: for your searchhotels in Potenza, we advise you to choose the center area and the accommodation facilities on the main street to be able to savor the true atmosphere of the Lucanian capital. There are various alternatives to the traditional hotel, such as B&Bs, holiday homes or guest houses.
