Charming town - Potenza. Mighty Potency

At first glance, Potenza is a typical industrial city, besides, real tests begin here for motorists - confusing one-way streets are filled with cars, and parking is extremely difficult to find. But walk up to the narrow, partly pedestrian Via Pretoria, a labyrinth of alleys and small secluded squares lined with bars and restaurants. One of the main attractions here is the Church of St. Francis (San Francesco), which houses the icon of the Madonna del Terremoto and the tomb of the XVI century. The modern quarters are lower, it is worth visiting the Regional Archaeological Museum (open Mon, Wed, Sun 9.00-13.00, Tue, Thu, Sat 9.00-13.00 and 16.00-19.00, admission is free) on Rione Santa Maria(north of center).

There are three in Potenza railway stations. WITH central station Potenza Città has trains to Aserenza and Gravina in Puglia, and there is also a line linking Potenza Città and Potenza Inferiore station at the other end of the city, from which trains leave for Rionero, Melfi, Ferrandina, Metaponto, Fujia, Taranto and Salerno; from the Stazione Superiore station on Rione Santa Maria you can go to Rionero, Melfi and Fujia. Independent railway line Ferrovie Appulo-Lucane (FAL) links all three stations and also links between Potenza and Bari. Motorists should park at Viale Marconi, from where escalators and elevators lead to Via del Pupolo, a few steps from Piazza Prefettura. Most buses to other towns in Basilicata leave from Piazza Crispi; buses to Salerno, Naples and Rome leave from Piazza Bologna.

Italy Potenza attractions

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potenza, which literally means "strength", is located at an altitude of more than 800 meters above sea level, in a very picturesque place, in the south, overlooking the Basento river valley. The city is the administrative center of the province of the same name and the capital of the region. For a long time of existence, many hardships and hardships fell to its share, including wars and natural disasters, but, nevertheless, it retained not only its status, but also saved most cultural and historical heritage valuable for the whole country.

Peculiarities

Today, Potenza is considered an important industrial and agricultural center of the Basilicata region, with a developed shoe and timber industry. In addition, winemaking and cheese production are well established here. Since the region does not enjoy increased attention from foreign guests, the tourist excitement here is low and in the city you can always find free hotel rooms or sit quietly in a cozy restaurant, enjoying the advantages of the national Italian cuisine. An excellent opportunity to get acquainted with the most beautiful surrounding landscapes is a trip out of town, which allows you to appreciate all the advantages natural scenery Basilicata. You can feel the spirit of the province by participating in local festivities and festivals, which are always celebrated by the townspeople with soul and great desire.

general information

The territory of Potenza covers an area of ​​174 sq. km, with a population of about 70,000 people. Local time behind Moscow by 1 hour in summer and 2 in winter. Time zone UTC+1 and UTC+2 in summer time of the year. Telephone code+(39) 971. Official website www.comune.potenza.it.

A brief excursion into history

According to historical data, settlements on these lands existed in ancient times, and ancient Potentia, which then belonged to the Lucania region, was located several kilometers south of the current capital of the region. In the Roman era, the city was conquered by the Romans and for some time turned into an ordinary military settlement, and in the 12th century it became an episcopal diocese, which in 1137 was honored by Pope Innocent II and Holy Roman Emperor Lothar II. Later, Potenza was first plundered by the army of Frederick II, and then it was ruled by the dynasty of the South German kings of Staufen. A little later, it was practically destroyed by Charles of Anjou and the strongest earthquake that followed in 1273. The following centuries passed under the sign of the feudal rulers who owned these lands and popular uprisings that flared up on the territory of the Apennines. In 1806, Potenza was declared the capital of Basilicata, and after more than 50 years, was again at the epicenter of a devastating earthquake. The city also got it during the Second World War, when many historical monuments and attractions. After the surrender of Germany, Potenza took some time to recover, and soon it revived again, retaining the status of the capital of the region. The last major earthquake occurred here in 1980.

Climate

High location above sea level has a significant impact on climatic conditions this locality. Winter here is cool, and at times even quite severe. It often snows. Summer is usually sunny and dry, and the thermometer confidently goes over the +20 mark. For a visit to the capital of Basilicata, the summer period is best suited, when it is sunny weather and the air is saturated with the aromas of flowers and plants.

How to get there

The nearest international airport is 2.5 hours drive from the city, at. From there, as well as from other areas of nearby regions and provinces, Potenzi can be reached by bus or train, since there are 3 railway stations here at once.

Transport

Within the city limits established bus service. The historic center is located on top of a hill and those who do not want to torture themselves with unnecessary loads can use special elevators equipped in Piazza Emmanuele Vittorio II and Viale Marconi. For independent trips in the city and its environs, it is recommended to rent a car at local rental points.

Attractions and entertainment

One of the main architectural objects of Potenzi is Cathedral Saint Gerardo, originally built in the 12th century and rebuilt 6 centuries later. one more religious building noteworthy, is the Church of San Francesco in Piazza Mario Pagano, home to the unique statue of the Madonna del Terremoto and the tomb of De Grasis. Among other interesting sights of the city, the Torre Guevara tower stands out, regularly hosting indoor areas all kinds of art exhibitions, the graceful Loffredo Palace, with the National Archaeological Museum of Basilicata located in it, the ruins of Roman villas in the Poggio Tre Galli quarter and another archaeological museum - Il Museo archeologico provinciale, for connoisseurs of ancient artifacts. In addition to interesting sights, the city is known for its holidays. So, at the end of May, the Turkish parade is held here, dedicated to the deliverance of Potenza from Turkish rule, and immediately after it, the townspeople celebrate the day of St. Gerardo, accompanied by a festive festival. In general, people in Italy are very fond of celebrating the days of saints, and the capital of Basilicata is no exception in this regard.

Kitchen

Potenza, as the main representative of the region, is famous for its culinary traditions and the city's restaurants consistently offer a wide selection of pork, pasta and vegetable dishes. Cheeses made from goat's and sheep's milk are very popular, and a fair portion of red pepper is often added to dishes. Among the drinks, the red wine of the Aglianico del Vulture variety is unrivaled. The most visited restaurants are concentrated in the city center, where the main shops and shopping centers are located.

shopping

Shopping, by the way, in the city is quite an exciting experience. Here you can buy various bags, shoes from Italian manufacturers, ceramics and porcelain, silk and cashmere clothes, as well as good souvenirs, such as a bottle of Aglianico wine, a beautiful package of locally produced cheese or a bottle of olive oil.

Potenza, although not one of the most popular tourist centers, but has typical national features and attracts the attention of those who are not indifferent to the history of this country, its cultural monuments, traditions and crafts. All this is reflected in appearance capital, and serves as an extra reason to look here for a couple of days.

In the south of the magical Italian peninsula in the region of Basilicata, a city was erected in ancient times. Probably, the very first settlement was located a little lower than the territory of the present city. The city is now known to mankind as Potenza. ancient name the city sounded like "Potentia". The oldest manuscripts of Pliny the Elder and Strabo say that numerous military actions were carried out for this area, which then belonged to ancient Lucania.

To the nearest international airport in Naples, it takes two or two and a half hours to get there. From there and from neighboring areas, buses and trains run to the city. People almost always come to Naples cruise ships. A few words need to be said about how to choose a ticket or tour. Of course, knowledgeable people always looking for discounts so as not to pay more. First you need to choose the desired tour option and understand the real cost of such a trip in order to correctly assess the amount of the discount when you get it. Then you should track prices and "catch" offers of tour operators at a discount. Usually the most low prices for tours in sanatoriums and boarding houses put up for a certain period before the start of arrival. It is also possible that there may not be any discounts if all tours are sold out in advance. This option cannot be ruled out.

Free travelers know more about searching for discounts, so feel free to look for them on forums and blogs. They travel all over the world, choosing convenient and profitable places for rest and recovery of health. Pick up a tour package to a sanatorium or boarding house Caucasian mineral waters You can visit the Kurort-Infotour website at this address.

At the beginning of its existence and in the IV century. BC e. Potenza belonged to the people of the Roman Empire. People took an active part in the hostilities, fighting under the banner of the Roman Empire with the Samnites and Bruttians. In 216 BC. e. Potenia, supported by Carthage, revolted, but six months later it was again captured by Roman legionnaires. Then the city turned into a military settlement and had border significance.

In the VI century, Potenza is under the rule and control of the Dukes of Benevento. During this era, the area is experiencing a severe attack by the Saracens. Then they invaded the south of the country. In the XII century, Potenza became an episcopal diocese, but when Charles I of Anjou conquered the Kingdom of Sicily, the city was wiped off the face of the earth. In 1273, by a monstrous earthquake, its remnants were finally wiped off the face of the earth. For the next four centuries, the region wandered from one feudal lord to another and was periodically rebuilt.

In 1694, Potenza again suffered from a natural disaster. The following period, the city was under the control of Napoleon. Then passed into the hands of the Neapolitans until the next devastating earthquake in 1857. The last, fourth in a row, earthquake happened here in 1980. Currently, Potenza boasts a high rate of development of land and industry.

The main architectural value of Potenza is the Cathedral of St. Francis. Tourists from all over the world are attracted here by the famous icon of the Madonna del Terremoto, as well as a tomb dating back to the 16th century. Not far from the church is the Regional Archaeological Museum. Here you can admire with your own eyes the exhibits of the Holy Roman Empire, as well as exhibits modern period. The city itself is a kind of monument of those times, and even an ordinary walk through it involuntarily plunges you into the Middle Ages.

Potenza is a city and province of the same name, in southern region Italy - Basilicata, in the center of the peninsula, closer to the "toe of the Italian boot." The southwestern segment of the province (Maratea, Cerzuta), have access to the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Potenza is the highest regional capital of Italy, which is located at an altitude of 819 meters above sea level, at the foot of Mount Toppa Romito.

Location of Potenza on the map of Italy

Hardly conquered by the Romans, Potenza became an important military point. But it fell at the end of the imperial era.
The plundered city and surroundings in 402 by the Visigoths, was captured by the Lombards.
At this time, the city was included in the Duchy of Benevento, and then in the Principality of Salerno.

In the 9th and 10th centuries, Potenza was again fortified so that it could defend itself against the Saracens. In 1269, she participates in the war between the Angevins and the Swabians.
An earthquake that happened in 1273 destroyed the city almost to the ground.

The ruin of Potenta by Charles I of Anjou, pushes the local feudal lords to the republican movement of 1799, after which the Partenopean Republic was proclaimed.

Already the capital of Basilicata - Potenza, becomes the center of a dynamic liberal movement. All these events allow the city to take part in the uprisings of 1848 and 1860.
In 1857 there was another terrible earthquake.

What to see

The city is rich in history and tradition, as evidenced architectural structures preserved to this day:

You can admire the city by watching the video:

Holidays

Italy can rightly be proud of the fact that the country celebrates the most crowded, spectacular and even delicious holidays / festivals.
So in Potenza there are days of fun and general celebration:

Cuisine and restaurants

Among typical dishes Potentials will be interesting to try:

• "strascinati";
• cavatelli Crusch (dried peppers);
• Lucanica (sausage with the presence of parsley and cumin);
• Sheep cheese Pecorino di Figliano. A hard cheese typical of the Basilicata region, obtained by processing whole and raw sheep's milk;
• Sarconi beans are one of Basilicata's many gastronomic treasures. It is used in a wide variety of combinations.
  

  Classic recipes like soups, pasta, beans, risotto. A rustic and delicious sarconese bean recipe with garlic, chili and sausage.

  In order to try and buy Sarkoni, many people come especially to the Potenza "spell of the beans" festival.

Pecorino di Figliano sheep cheese is one of the dishes typical of Potenza

Restaurants in Potenza marked by tourists:

• C'era Una Volta- restaurant in C.da Valle Paradiso, co vintage interior. It is advised to try the local red wine, beef fillet with truffles (fileto di manzo tartufo);
• restaurant « Old Tower» (L'Antica Torre), on Via Due Torri 8. Pizza and desserts are preferred;
• Taverna Oraziana on Via Orazio Flacco 2. Sample: house wine, pork steak;
• La Primula at Via Delle Primule, 84, at the hotel. Cozy at home, beautiful interior, courtyard in flowers. Desserts, wine and assorted typical cheeses.

Where to stay

According to tourists, you can stay in the following hotels:

Weather

Potenza is in the zone mediterranean climate close to the coast and even on the very coast - subtropical.
Closer to the central part, the climate becomes continental.

Due to the nature of the distribution climatic zones, the possibility of a long warm, mild season is the advantage of Potentsa.

The average summer temperature is +27 - +29 ° C, in winter +2 - + 5C. February and November are the most a large number of precipitation.

How to get there

By car:

• Highway A3 Salerno - Reggio di Calabria; exit - to Sicignano degli Alburni;
• A14 Bologna - Taranto; from Foggia (SS 655) branch to Potenza.

By train:

• Direction to Taranto. From Naples and Rome by Eurosta or Trenitalia trains (on the road to Potenza about 2.5 hours). Price 20 -30 euros.

By plane:

In the north of the Apennine mountains, the Basilicata, which are also called the small Dolomites - for their resemblance to the famous Dolomites of the Alps, in the valley of the Basento River, framed by mountains, is located administrative center Basilicata region - the city of Potenza. Its population is about 70 thousand inhabitants, and the name comes from the Latin word Potentia - "powerful".

The mountains provide Potenza with a temperate climate with snowy winters and cool, dry summers. There are many places that are interesting from a historical and artistic point of view, deserving the attention of tourists.

The oldest part of the city, which keeps the charm of the ancient fortress cities, seems to have “sprouted” in a rocky ledge rising above the modern quarters. The locals also call it the "Upper Potenza" - it is here, in the historical part, that the most high point cities - 819 meters above sea level.

A narrow and long Via Pretoria (Via Pretoria) stretched through the city - oldest street in a city whose name is reminiscent of the Roman roots of Potenza. And although its width is no more than four meters, this street was dubbed " elegant city salon"- this is a meeting place local residents, as well as shopping: shop windows, numerous cafes and pastry shops attract both locals and tourists. Buildings on both sides of the street are reminiscent of ancient history cities: here you can see the memorial plates of the Roman and medieval periods and even iron rings in the walls of houses, to which horses and donkeys were tied in the past.

Via Pretoria. Photoblog.travelpod.com

Of course, go to the discovery of attractions magnificent city Potenza is best on a personal car. For travelers, such an option as car rental is also available. By ordering a car in advance, while still at home, you can save a lot. "Italy in Russian" advises you to turn to the services of the popular rentalcars gigantic service, multifunctional and simple, which will allow you to choose the most suitable car at home and receive it immediately upon arrival in Italy.

For those who are used to convenience, we recommend ordering a taxi in Potenza with a Russian-speaking driver. It is possible to pick up and order a taxi through the convenient Kiwitaxi service: You just need to choose where and where you need to get from. At the specified time, at the specified place, your personal driver will be waiting for you with a sign with your name.

Piazza Mario Pagano

Via Pretoria is bisected by Piazza Mario Pagano, which appeared in 1847 at first as market Square, and in 1870 named after the lawyer Mario Pagano, who was executed in 1799 for his active participation in the proclamation of the Neapolitan Republic during the French Revolution.

The square is surrounded by the Government Palace, the building of the National Institute of Insurance, the XIII century church of St. Francis and the city theater named after the Italian composer Francesco Stabile, who was one of the initiators of the opening of the theater in Potenza.

Piazza Mario Pagano. Photorete. community- italiani. it

Church of the Holy Trinity

On Via Pretoria comes the church Holy Trinity- one of the oldest in the city, which, according to some sources, stood on this site already in the 11th century. After the destruction caused by the earthquakes of 1694 and 1857, the church was restored for a long time, the reconstruction continued from 1860 to 1930. Above the side entrance from Via Pretoria, you can see a painting attributed to the 16th-century artist Antonio Stabile, The Annunciation, as well as an 18th-century stone ashtray. The interior of the church is distinguished by a large altar made of colored marble by an unknown Neapolitan master of the second half of the 18th century, as well as numerous paintings depicting the Trinity, the Virgin and saints.

Cathedral of Saint Herald (Duomo di San Gerardo)

Among the decorations of Potenza, without a doubt, is the Duomo, dedicated to the patron saint of the city - Saint Herald. The cathedral, built in the 12th century, was originally dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, in the 18th century it was restored in the neoclassical style by a student of Vanvitelli. Today, the Duomo holds various works of art, as well as the relics of St. Herald, who was bishop of the city in 1111-1119, and after his death was canonized catholic church to the saints. He is credited with the miracle of expelling the Turks from the city, without the use of any weapon.

Cathedral of Saint Herald. Photo communi-italiani.it

Niche of St. Herald (Edicola di San Gerardo)

Another building revered by the inhabitants of Potenza is dedicated to the patron saint of the city - the chapel (or niche) of St. Herald, with a statue of the saint in the center, erected in the 19th century by the local sculptor Antonio Busholano.

Chapel of Saint Herald. Photoit. wikipedia. org

Guevara Tower (Torre Guevara)

On the east side of the historical part of Potenza rises the tower of Guevara, built around the 9th century as an observation post. In all likelihood, only then, in X-XI centuries, fortifications appeared next to it (unfortunately, later demolished), which became the fortress of the princes of Potenza. In the Middle Ages, this tower played an important role in preventing barbarian raids. The name of the tower comes from the name of its last owners - the noble Guevara family. For a long time, the tower was part of the Capuchin monastery, then until 1935 it housed a hospital. After the earthquake in 1980, the tower was restored and made a venue for art exhibitions.

Guevara tower. Photopanoramio. com

National Archaeological Museum

There are many museums in the city that allow history lovers to plunge into the past of Potenza, learn about the most important traditions and events of the city. Among them, it is worth mentioning the National Archaeological Museum of Basilicata, named after Dinu Adamesteanu, a scientist of Romanian origin, the founder of the archeology of Basilicata. The two floors of the museum, which was inaugurated in 2005, contain numerous testimonies of the history of the region.

Exhibit of the exhibition "Heroes of ancient Basilicata". Photoflickr. com

The museum is located in the Loffredo Palace, a former noble residence built in the 17th century for the Prince of Potenza, Carl Loffredo.

Palazzo Loffredo - building archaeological museum. Photomwww.ostremusei.com

city ​​gate

The ancient gates of Potenza lead to the historical part of the city and were once part of the fortress walls that protected the city from enemy attacks. Initially, there were six of them, but only the San Giovanni gate, the San Luca gate and the San Gerardo gate have survived to date. The rest - the Portasalza Gate, the Amendola Gate, and the Trinita Gate - were either demolished as the city expanded or suffered from earthquakes.

The Gate of San Giovanni takes its name from the church of St. John the Baptist, built at the end of the 12th century. These are the most ancient city gates that managed to survive both earthquakes and the destruction of fortress walls by people.

Gate of San Giovanni. Photobasilicata.travel

Montereale Park

This beautiful city park is located southwest of historical center, it was founded in 1934 and since then has become a favorite vacation spot for citizens, as well as a venue for many cultural events. The area where the park is now located was once used to punish robbers, for military and agricultural purposes, and today this park, restored in the 90s of the last century, is included in the "Hundred Historical Parks of Basilicata".

A park Montereale. Photo Archart.it

Holidays

Every year on May 29 and 30, the city hosts a costumed "Procession of the Turks", reminiscent of an old legend, according to which Saint Herald saved the city from the night raid of the Saracens. The legend says that in 1111 the Turks landed on the shores of the Ionian Sea in order to pass through the forests of Basilicata and reach Potenza. The capture of the city was avoided thanks to the intervention of Saint Herald, who called for help an army of angels, who lit up the city with their radiance and put the frightened Saracens to flight.

Numerous street performances reminiscent of miraculous rescue, include processions of various characters, including Turks, soldiers, townspeople in ancient clothes, a Turkish Khan and a statue of St. Herald on a wagon. The holiday ends with a horse race, which is called the Palio of the Six Gates - teams representing all the city gates, both preserved and non-existent, take part in the races. Tradition says that the Palio of the Six Gates appeared as early as the 16th century as a spontaneous folk festival in honor of entering the city in 1578 through the gates of Prince Guevara Portal.

Holiday "Procession of the Turks". Photomeravigliaitaliana. it

Also in May, on one of the three squares, the "Day of Art and Creativity of Students" is organized, in which students of higher educational institutions, lyceums, showing their artistic and musical abilities.

On the first Sunday in September, Potenza hosts the Pyrotechnic Art Festival, during which the best masters of this genre from all over Italy compete to launch the best fireworks. Spectators from all over Basilicata come to watch this spectacular feast.

During the Christmas period, a “living nativity scene” is organized in the city center, a colorful re-enactment of Christmas events continues until January 6th.

local delicacies

From dishes local cuisine you should definitely try the Potentinian ravioli - stuffed with a mixture of ricotta, parsley, dried minced ham, eggs and pepper, seasoned with meat sauce with pecorino cheese and salted ricotta. A typical local dish is "strashinati" - a specially shaped pasta seasoned with pork or salsicchi sauce and pecorino cheese. Dishes from the meat of a young lamb or goat in combination with fennel and lentils are also common here. Among sweets it is worth mentioning "taralli", covered with sugar glaze.

Taralli with sugar glaze. Photo esedomaniincucina.blogspot.it

Of the wines of this region, the red Aglianico del Vulture is noted, and of the white wines, Malvasia del Vulture can be distinguished.