Potenza is the regional capital of the Basilicata and also provincial capital. It lies at 819 mtrs a.s.l. on the Lucano Appenines and overlooks the Valley of Basento. The old medieval core, the Centro Storico quarter is high up, while the modern and more extensive quarters have been built lower down creating numerous commercial activities that have made the city a point of reference for the whole Region as well as the surrounding areas.