Potenza is the capital of Basilicata and, at around 800 metres above sea level, the highest regional capital in Italy. Earthquakes, most recently in 1980, have reshaped the city, and most visitors pass through rather than stay. Yet its hilltop centro storico is pleasant and lively in the evening, and the city has the region’s main archaeological museum.
Potenza is also a useful hub. It is on the railway from Salerno and Naples, and it is the closest city to the Dolomiti Lucane and within an hour of Venosa, Melfi and the Vulture. Long chains of public escalators climb from the lower districts to the old town.
Highlights
- Via Pretoria: the main street of the old town and the place for the evening stroll.
- San Gerardo Cathedral: dedicated to the city’s patron saint.
- Torre Guevara: the last tower of the medieval castle.
- Archaeological museum: finds from the peoples of ancient Lucania.
- Parata dei Turchi: the colourful late-May parade.
- Day trips: Castelmezzano, Pietrapertosa, Acerenza and the Vulture.
Quick facts
| Province | Potenza, western Basilicata |
|---|---|
| Altitude | Around 800 m |
| From Naples | About 2 hours by car |
| Ideal stay | One night, or as a base for day trips |
| Best for | A practical base, local life, museums |
| Getting around | On foot and by escalator in town; car for day trips |
How long to stay & where to base yourself
Most visitors need one night, or two or three if using the city as a base for the mountains. Stay in or near the old town so you can walk to Via Pretoria in the evening. Business hotels on the outskirts suit drivers.
