The urban layout of Potenza has inspired its nickname of the “vertical city”, with the historical centre at the highest point and a series of residential buildings constructed (most in recent decades) on the slopes that head down towards the valley, like the neighbourhood of Rione Cocuzzo known as the “Serpentone” (big snake).
The ancient nucleus, with its medieval walls and entrance gates, features piazza Mario Pagano with the neoclassical Teatro Stabile, busy via Pretoria and small artisanal workshops and historical residences.
However, all that remains of the ancient castle once situated here is the Guevara Tower at the most eastern side of the centre. The 20m high tower is divided into 3 storeys with an underground space now used as an art gallery.
The historical centre and various neighbourhoods of Potenza are interconnected by an articulated system of staircases, both ancient and modern, which lead to it being known as “the city of the hundred stairs”. Extending for 1.3km, the escalator system is actually the longest in Europe.
Lucana Film Commission
Via Madonna delle Virtù snc — 75100 Matera (sede legale); Corso Garibaldi 139 — 85100 Potenza (uffici)
Phone: +39 0971 665034
Email: email@lucanafilmcommission.it
