Praia a Mare
Overview
Overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, Praia a Mare is a town in the province of Cosenza, located in the far north of Calabria, close to the border with Basilicata. The town stretches along a section of coastline known for its beaches and for the presence of Dino Island, which gives the seascape a distinctive character. The municipal area extends from the coastal strip toward the first foothills of the southern Apennines, near the Pollino National Park. Praia a Mare experienced most of its development during the 20th century, establishing itself as a key tourist destination along the Riviera dei Cedri.
Potenza
Overview
The capital of Basilicata, Potenza is located in the Lucanian Apennines and is the highest regional capital in Italy in terms of elevation. The city stretches along a mountain ridge, with an urban layout that is complex and strongly shaped by the surrounding terrain. Its origins are ancient, with Lucanian and Roman settlements, while during the Middle Ages it gained importance as an administrative centre. The historic centre preserves churches, palaces and sections of the original urban fabric, alongside modern infrastructure designed to connect the city’s different elevations.
Gastronomy
Potenza’s culinary tradition reflects the essence of Lucanian cuisine, rooted in simple ingredients and bold, authentic flavours. Among its most iconic products are peperoni cruschi, made from Senise IGP peppers that are dried and quickly fried, prized for their delicate crunch and naturally sweet taste. One of the city’s signature dishes is baccalà alla potentina, prepared with tomato, olives, and capers, and enriched with the unmistakable flavour of peperoni cruschi. Also widely enjoyed is ciambotta, a hearty summer vegetable stew that celebrates the freshness of local produce, while u’ muzz’c represents the traditional farmer’s snack—bread, peppers, eggs, and sausage—offering a true taste of the region’s rustic and nourishing food culture.
Wine and other drinks
The Potenza area is closely tied to the production of Aglianico del Vulture, one of Basilicata’s most iconic wines. This grape expresses different characteristics depending on soil and altitude, ranging from the distinctive minerality of volcanic terrain to fresher notes found in higher-altitude vineyards. The result is a structured, characterful wine, widely regarded as one of the region’s finest expressions and a true symbol of Lucania’s winemaking tradition.
Punti di interesse
Potenza’s heritage unfolds through a blend of historic landmarks, religious architecture, and striking contemporary works. At the city’s highest point stands the Cathedral of San Gerardo, the main place of worship, combining Romanesque and neoclassical elements and housing notable works of art. In the historic centre lies the Church of San Francesco, one of the oldest buildings in the city, distinguished by its late Gothic portal and valuable interior artworks. Among the city’s defining symbols is the Guevara Tower, the only remaining part of the medieval castle, now serving as an exhibition space and panoramic viewpoint. Architectural highlights also include the Francesco Stabile Theatre, a 19th-century neoclassical opera house, and the Church of San Michele Arcangelo, an important example of local Romanesque style. The National Archaeological Museum “Dinu Adamesteanu,” housed in Palazzo Loffredo, traces the history of ancient Lucania from prehistory to the Roman era.
Key elements of the historic urban fabric include Porta San Gerardo, once the gateway to the medieval city, and Via Pretoria, the city’s main thoroughfare and vibrant social hub. Alongside its historical heritage, Potenza features contemporary icons such as the Musmeci Bridge, a bold reinforced concrete structure celebrated as a masterpiece of organic architecture. Completing the picture is the Tempietto di San Gerardo, perched along the Muraglione, offering sweeping views and a strong symbolic presence.
