Although Matera is more famous, Potenza is the capital city of the Basilicata region: it is the highest provincial capital in Italy, with an altitude of 819 meters above sea level. Despite being the capital of Basilicata, Potenza is certainly not the largest city; in terms of surface area, the municipality of Potenza is even the eleventh largest in the region.

Potenza is a city with a rich historical and cultural profile, adorned with historic churches, precious squares, museums, art galleries, noble palaces, and ancient medieval gates. Elegant yet welcoming, intimate yet solitary, Potenza is a city that cherishes its modern and ancient architecture, its millennia-old historic center, and the mix of old and new buildings that climb, overlapping, across small squares, alleys of the ancient medieval core, and staircases once used, now replaced by mechanized ones.

Because of its structure, Potenza is also called the "Vertical City" or the "City of One Hundred Stairs."

The city is located along an Apennine ridge in the Basento river valley, which runs through and almost entirely crosses the lower part of the city. From above, the ancient medieval core, the historic center, the "old town," can be seen, still partially enclosed by the remains of the old city walls. Around the historic center, the so-called "lower area" gradually developed. This is the more modern part of Potenza, extending beyond the ancient core, on the opposite side of the valley floor, and surrounding the flat area marked by the course of the Basento river.

Among Potenza's main cultural attractions, the first to mention is the Guevara Tower. Built by the Lombards before the year 1000, this tower has witnessed the various dominations that have shaped the city over the centuries. Today, it houses an Art Gallery where you can admire extraordinary works of art and immerse yourself in local history. Palazzo Bonifacio, dating back to the 17th century, is a fascinating example of noble architecture. Its seemingly closed exterior walls conceal a charming inner courtyard. Explore the style variations that have followed over time and admire its sculpted stone cornice and triangular pediment. As you climb through the streets of Potenza, you reach the Cathedral of San Gerardo, located at one of the highest panoramic points in the city. Originally dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, it was later named after San Gerardo, the patron saint of Potenza. Its neoclassical facade is a masterpiece by Antonio Magri, a student of Vanvitelli.

Speaking of churches, after the earthquakes of 1694 and 1857, the Church of the Holy Trinity was rebuilt and now shines with large, bright windows that illuminate 18th-century frescoes and altars. Mario Prayer's frescoes from 1937 add a touch of beauty to this historic church. Lastly, dedicated to the master of local music, the Francesco Stabile Theatre is one of Potenza's most important architectural landmarks. Its opening in 1881 marked a significant event in the city's history. Let yourself be captivated by its magnificence and enjoy high-quality performances.

Contemporary historians believe the city received its name when the Roman colony of Potentia was founded, as it is similar to the names of other colonies such as Florentia, Valentia, or Faventia. The name Potentia, in particular, is considered a Latin augural formation, meaning "the powerful."

A bishopric since the 5th century, in 1111, Bishop Gerardo La Porta from Piacenza entered the city. He was beatified in 1120 and is deeply loved by the people of Potenza because he not only liberated the city from its precarious conditions, but according to some documents and interpretations, he also saved Potenza from the Turkish invasion. In May, Potenza is enveloped in a magical atmosphere as preparations are underway for celebrations in honor of its Patron Saint, Saint Gerardo Bishop of Piacenza. These celebrations coincide with the historic "Parade of the Turks," an event that takes place between mystical legend and veiled reality.

Potenza is one of the few Italian cities to have been awarded two gold medals: the first as a city deserving recognition for its contribution to the national Risorgimento in 1898, and the second as a gold medal for civil merit in 2005.