Basilicata’s regional capital, POTENZA, has suffered more than most southern towns from the effects of earthquake and war, which have robbed it of much of its historical heritage. There is still considerable restoration work in progress, and despite the dust in summer continuing improvements have helped to make Potenza a lively, go-ahead place and an excellent base for visiting some of the smaller towns and villages of inland Basilicata, most of which are conveniently situated on the main routes to – or from – the outside world.