Things to see · Monuments and historic buildings
Medieval Gates of Potenza
Potenza (Potenza)
Medieval Gates of Potenza is in Potenza, province of Potenza. Opening hours: Always visible. Admission: Free.
- Free.
- Always visible.
About this place
The historic centre of Potenza was enclosed by a city wall with several gates. Almost all of them were demolished in the 19th century to make room for the growing city, but three have survived and can be visited on a half-hour walk.
The three gates
• Porta San Giovanni: built in the Norman period, between the 11th and 12th centuries, it takes its name from the hospital of the Fatebenefratelli di San Giovanni di Dio, active between the 13th and 16th centuries. It has a round arch crossed by a stepped ramp and preserves one of the two towers that flanked it. Rebuilt after the 1980 earthquake, it is now incorporated into modern buildings.
• Porta San Gerardo: also Norman, and close to the cathedral, it probably served to connect the city directly with the lands of the bishop’s curia. It has a barrel vault with a small window above, possibly a guard post.
• Porta San Luca: on the arch, the stone blocks where the hinges of the main door were fixed can still be seen. It is located towards corso Garibaldi.
How to visit
The gates are always visible and free of charge. They can be linked in a walk along via Pretoria and as far as the Torre Guevara.
Useful information
• During the feast of San Gerardo, a gonfalone (ceremonial banner) is carried in procession to commemorate each of the ancient gates.
• The Portasalza district, in the old town centre, takes its name from another gate that has disappeared.
