Piazza Mario Pagano, certainly the most emblematic square in Potenza, was designed by Intendente Iurlo in 1838. The following year, several blocks of buildings were demolished to make way for it, although work began only in 1844 under the supervision of Giuseppe d’Errico. Initially known as the Market square because of a Sunday market held there and later referred to as both piazza dell’Intendenza and piazza della Prefettura, it was dedicated in 1870 to the local lawmaker Mario Pagano. It owes its present appearance to the 2007 design by architect Gae Aulenti and others.
The square features the only opera house in Basilicata, the Teatro Stabile dedicated to Francesco Stabile, a musician from Potenza. Its construction began in 1856 although work was interrupted by the 1857 earthquake delaying inauguration to 1881. On the adjacent quadrant is the 19th century Palazzo del Governo also known as the Palazzo della Prefettura which displays all the aesthetic ideals of the 1800s: linearity, symmetry, rational shapes. A noteworthy element is the façade which includes architectural elements such as pilasters, gables, and an entablature that supports the balcony of the main reception room. Inside are works by famous painters including Vincenzo Marinelli and Giacomo Di Chirico.
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
