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Potenza, a city to rediscover
Potenza is a city that requires more than just a first impression. It deserves to be appreciated for its sites, and especially its urban turmoil that the Institutions are building around a new and proposed idea. This latter involves the requalification of the Prefect’s Villa, worthy of particular attention. But let’s focus on what this place represents.
Prefect’s Villa is centrally located close to the historical centre accessible from two entrances. In the past the area was owned by the Convent of the Franciscans, it was used for agricultural purposes and with the suppression of the Monastery in 1808 the buildings became the seat of the Head of the Province and the Intendancy. The well-kept plant and the constant work of maintenance (until 1942) qualified the garden belonging to the Government Palace as the "Villa" until it also became the seat of many summer events. The fountain that the Villa has housed for years is particularly important and it was once located in the centre of Piazza XVIII Agosto. For the works of the Villa they have planned almost two million euros of appropriation between initial funds and others that will be administered to works in progress: the executive project for the works, which is valued at € 1,200,000, involves € 950,000 enough to cover the requalification works, including € 65,545.00 for safety, € 224,560.00 available for the Institutions and € 25,440.00 for goods and supplies that are essential for the work's realisation. The terrible earthquake of 1980 marked our city and coincided with the closure of the Prefect’s Villa to the public, which lasted until the mid-nineties of the last century. During this long period time, restoration works were carried out and the ancient fountain, previously located in “Piazza Prefettura” in front of the entrance to the “Teatro Stabile”, was positioned near the gazebo. There has never been a definitive opening of the place. The Press Agency of the Regional Council of Basilicata wrote an article in 2016, saying: “Keeping the Prefect's Villa closed is an insult to the whole city; it would be absurd to deprive citizens of this place so rich in poetry again." In the meantime, the work should have continued incessantly to find the necessary funds to make the entire Villa safe. If ownership were to become municipal, the necessary funds could be secured through the City Council's work on European funds. Then, the "Permanent Presidio of Applied Naturempatia" project was presented and afterwards the cleaning, maintenance and surveillance of the Villa thanks to the President of the Province Nicola Valluzzi.
In 2010, the “green heart” of the city was closed again despite the many redevelopment projects. In 2016, Lucia Bonitatibus promoted the project "The Rebirth and Renovation of the Villa" which was presented in the summer of that same year. According to the data, the Villa remained open daily until November 15th. The economic aspect is a priority to complete the security of the entire area. Furnishing it with all the necessary equipment will turn it into a fully equipped space; this significant intervention could be obtained from the Development and Cohesion funds or Community funds provided for the Urban Agenda.
After a request made by the mayor, in the summer of 2014, it was proposed to use the structure for organising cultural events and only Potenza's province and educational institutions in the city were able to access the Villa.
After that request, it emerged that it would be useful to provide the Villa with a space for gathering that can be useful for cultural and recreational initiatives in the city and historical centre.
The Prefect’s Villa it’s not just a strategic connection infrastructure, but it also represents a space of absolute value. An inspection of the members of the VI Permanent Council Commission was held on the construction site of Via IV November, where the provincial administration is currently carrying out the redevelopment works of the Prefect’s Villa. There have been requests from citizens, motorists and pedestrians, who needed to reclaim that area: it was necessary to reopen promptly to vehicular and pedestrian traffic of Via IV November, which access will be closed on the occasion of critical activities to safety.
