Potenza has been the regional capital for over two hundred years and boasts a thousand-year old history.

Ancient alleys, enchanting squares and historic stairways surround the old town centre.
The heart of the city is via Pretoria, the ancient decumanus, which is a gathering place for local people as well as the main street of the city. It is home to important cultural institutions, such as the ancient “Francesco Stabile” Theatre, in Piazza Francesco Mario Pagano, the Museo Archeologico Nazionale (National Archaeological Museum) and the Auditorium of the “Carlo Gesualdo di Venosa” music conservatory.

Potenza is also home to important cultural hubs. The following are particularly noteworthy: the National Library, the Museo Archeologico Nazionale (National Archaeological Museum) “Dinu Adamesteanu” and the Civic Gallery of Palazzo Loffredo, and the Museo Archeologico Provinciale (Provincial Archaeological Museum) with the adjacent Pinacoteca.