David and Virginia's Visit to Puglia and Basilicata, 2019: The Apennine Mountain range...this far south?

Yes, the Apennine mountain range does indeed go the entire length of Italy. Potenza, one of the main cities of Basilicata, at close to 1,000 meters, is the highest regional capital in Italy. But unfortunately, that doesn’t qualify it for being an interesting city to visit. There’s basically one street to visit...ab9ut 12 blocks long or so, where you will find the Cathedral, the F. Stabile Theater, a few more churches, and the National Archeological Museum. And since it is not on the usual tourist itinerary, there are few restaurants...with virtually of the, closed on Sunday (yes, one of the days we were there). But, we did enjoy what was there.

I do have a soft spot for Romanesque churches; I find the simplicity of design and minimal adornments appealing. You’ve got your nave, your altar, simple arches, and thick stone walls. The Chiesa San Michele Arcangelo dates from 1178, and there are floor mosaics from an earlier church from the 5th century.

Chiesa San Michele Arcangelo, Potenza

And in the Piazza San Pagano, you find the F. Stabile Teatro...built around 1860; it’s the only opera lirica Theater in Basilicata. It’s very small, but we are told that it is designed after the San Carlo Opera House in Naples.

F. Stabile Teatro...Opera Lirica, Potenza

Ceiling of the F. Stabile Teatro

One our drive to Matera, our guide book suggested a min9r detour to a hilltop town, Tricarico. And what you find there is a Norman Tower/Castello. And the Chiesa di Santa Chiara. The church was locked, but a local parishioner had a key and let us in. There are some amazing frescos from 1611. A short stroll down from the top of the hill led us to a bar (caffé), where, with a pick-me-up caffé, we were then on our way to Matera.

11th century Norman Tower/Castello, Tricarico