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The first settlement of Potentia (Potenza's original Latin name) was probably located at a lower elevation than at present, some 10 kilometres (6 miles) south of today's Potenza. TheLucanians of Potentia sided againstRome's enemies during the latter's wars against theSamnites and theBruttii. Subjugated during the 4th century BC (later gaining the status ofmunicipium), the Potentini rebelled after the Roman defeat atCannae in 216 BC.
However, theBattle of the Metaurus marked the end of anyCarthaginian aspirations in Italy and Potentia was reconquered by the Romans and reduced to the status of military colony.
In the following years of the Late Middle Ages, the city was owned by various feudal families before the Spanish domination, during which Potenza was the site of riots against the Spaniards. In 1694, it was almost completely destroyed byanother earthquake.
With the declaration of theNeapolitan Republic in 1799, Potenza was one of the first cities to rebel against the king. After temporary Bourbon repression, the city was conquered by the French army in 1806 and declared the capital of Basilicata. KingJoachim Murat improved the city's living conditions and administration, while some urban improvements were also introduced for the visit ofFerdinand II in 1846.
A revolt broke out in 1848 and was again put down by Bourbon forces, until a thirddevastating earthquake followed in 1857. Potenza rebelled for the last time in 1860, beforeGaribaldi's revolutionary army brought about theunification of Italy.
In September 1943, the city suffered heavy Allied bombing. In 1980,another strong earthquake struck Potenza.
Potenza Cathedral: TheDuomo di San Gerardo, renovated in the 18th century. The cathedral still houses the rose window and the apse from the original 12th-century structure.
San Francesco: church founded in 1274. The portal and the bell tower date from the 15th century. The church houses the De Grasis sepulchre and aMadonna in Byzantine style (13th century).
TheTorre Guevara, the last remnant of the old castle. It is now used to stage art exhibitions.
With the city centre situated at the top of a steep hill,escalators provide a form of public transport in Potenza. The largest, Santa Lucia Escalator (Italian:Scale Mobili Santa Lucia), is approximately 500 m (1,600 ft) long and connects Potenza's historic centre with a residential neighbourhood to the west by descending 100 m (330 ft) into a valley. Potenza's public escalator network is the largest in Europe and the second largest in the world afterTokyo.[11]
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