Potenza

Potenza: Capital city of Basilicata and the capital city of the province of Potenza

Potenza is the capital city of the region of Basilicata, southern Italy. It is located east of Salerno, almost 2,700 feet above sea level in the Apennines. This makes it the highest regional capital in Italy. It is surrounded by Anzi, Avigliano, Brindisi Montagna, Picerno, Pietragalla, Pignola, Ruoti, Tito and Vaglio Basilicata.

Map of Potenza

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Potenza’s original Latin name was Potentia. Potentia was likely located at a much smaller height than the modern-day city, an important organised Roman municipium at the time. Despite siding with Rome’s enemies, in 216 BC the Romans acquired Potentia and used it as a military base.

In the 6th century, it passed into the hands of the Lombard Duchy of Benevento and like many Italian cities, spent the next few centuries under feudal owners, such as the Normans. In the 13th century, Charles I almost destroyed the city when he conquered the Kingdom of Sicily. In 1273, an earthquake added additional devastation to the city. In 1674, when Spaniards ruled Potenza, another earthquake almost destroyed the city again.

When the semi-autonomous Parthenopean Republic was declared in 1799, Potenza was one of the first cities to rebel against the King. In 1806, the French conquered the city and took the decision to make Potenza the capital city of Basilicata. During this period of French occupation, King Joachim Murat enhanced the city’s administration and living conditions.

In 1857, the city suffered a third devastating earthquake. Three years later, however, the city was saved by the unification of Italy. Like many cities in Italy, this brought about a period of improved growth and better fortune. During the Second World War, the city suffered extensive damage. In 1980, Potenza experienced a fourth terrible earthquake.

Many ancient landmarks remain in Potenza which harks back to its rich history. The Poggio Tre Galli part of the city contains the ruins of an old Roman villa. The ancient gates of the city also remain, from a time many centuries ago when the city needed protection from invaders.

Mario sigismondo, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Most of the city’s ancient landmarks hail from the 12th century. The Cathedral of San Gerardo, the city’s most important church, remains one of the main attractions. As well as a beautifully neat stone facade, the church also has a five-storey stone bell tower. Named after the city’s patron saint Saint Gerard, the church also holds his remains.

The church of San Francesco is a romanesque-Gothic-style Roman Catholic place of worship. With beautiful interiors, it is absolutely worth a visit, despite not having the importance of San Gerardo.

Redshift87, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Other highlights are the palazzo Loffredo, a beautiful 17th century noble residence, now hosting the National Archaeological Museum of Potenza; the Musmeci Bridge, a modern civil engineering success; and St Michele, a romanesque-style Roman Catholic church.

Escalators are the main form of public transport in Potenza. They are the largest in Europe and the second largest in the world, second only to Tokyo.