About
Potenza is the capital of Basilicata, a region in southern Italy, and it sits high in the mountains. It is one of the highest regional capitals in the country, so the city is shaped by its hillside setting, with streets that climb and turn across the slopes.
What kind of visit it makes
Potenza suits travellers who want to see a working regional capital rather than a city built for tourism. Its character comes from its altitude and its position as the administrative centre of the region. A visit is best approached slowly, with time to walk the upper and lower parts of town and to take in the views that the elevation makes possible.
- Walking the hillside streets and changes in height across the city
- Seeing the everyday life of a provincial capital in the south of Italy
- Using the city as a base for exploring the wider region of Basilicata
Around the city
Because Potenza is the regional capital, it is a natural starting point for discovering the rest of Basilicata, a region of mountains, valleys and small towns. Those who arrive with a plan to explore the surrounding countryside will find the capital a practical place to organise their days. Anyone deciding whether to go should consider how much they want to combine a city stay with the landscapes beyond it.
