Potenza’s sights fit into half a day. Combine them with a drive to the villages and abbeys around the city.
1 Centro storico and Via Pretoria
The old town runs along the ridge, with Via Pretoria as its spine. Piazza Mario Pagano and Piazza Matteotti are the main squares, and the evening passeggiata here is the best of local life.
Practical: Free. Most lively in the early evening.
2 Cathedral of San Gerardo
The cathedral at the eastern end of the old town is dedicated to Saint Gerard, the city’s patron. It was rebuilt in the eighteenth century in a restrained neoclassical style.
Practical: Free; respect services.
3 Torre Guevara
This round tower is all that remains of the medieval castle. It stands in a small garden on the edge of the old town and is sometimes used for exhibitions.
Practical: Grounds free; opening of the interior varies.
4 National Archaeological Museum of Basilicata
Housed in Palazzo Loffredo, the museum tells the story of the region from prehistory to Roman times, with finds from the Greek colonies and the inland Lucanian settlements.
Practical: Ticketed; closed one day a week. Check current hours.
5 The escalators
Potenza has an unusually long network of public escalators linking the lower town and car parks with the historic centre. They are practical and part of the city’s character.
Practical: Free; hours vary by section.
6 Acerenza
A hilltop village about 40 km north-east, dominated by a large Romanesque cathedral. The drive across the hills is part of the pleasure.
Practical: By car, about 45 minutes. Check cathedral opening times.
