Brief Guide to Potenza in Basilicata, South Italy
Inhabited since the 4th century BC, Potenza lies between two valleys 820m above sea level and claims the title of the highest provincial capital in Italy.
Potenza was mostly rebuilt after an earthquake in 1857. This, plus the severe damage caused during the Second World War, meant that, sadly, it has lost many of its historic buildings. However, there is lots of restoration work going on and the atmosphere in the town is vibrant and enthusiastic – a perfect place to go to in its own right or use as a base for visiting the lovely string of medieval towns lying to the north.
Although the approach to the town may seem a little off-putting with its modern buildings, the city’s historic centre is well worth the effort. It has a lively atmosphere, best seen during the evening passeggiata, with many lovely little piazzas, alleyways, bars and restaurants. There are several sights to visit in the centre including the 12th-century Cathedral di San Gerardo with its rose window, the Romanesque church of San Michele, and the 13th-century church of Santa Maria del Sepolcro. The church of San Francesco with its intricate De Grasis sepulchre and Byzantine icon of the Madonna of the Earthquake (Madonna del Terramoto) is just off the main Piazza Prefettura. You can also visit the regional archaeological museum, the Museo Archeologico Provinciale, which is in the more modern lower part of the city. There are also ruins of a Roman villa in the Poggio Tre Galli quarter.