The ancient hamlet of Portasalza gave its name to the gate which until its demolition meant the only controlled vehicular entrance to the city. This city gate was located at the beginning of via Pretoria in the current crossroads formed by the two side streets where the Portasalza climb ends. Potenza was among the Lucanian cities to be reduced to a Roman military colony and therefore among those in which Sulla established the Praetorium, Command of the Romans, and the Praetorian camp. The road connection between the Roman camp and their Command was called Via Pretoria. Over the years this street has never changed its name, and even today it extends throughout the historic center starting from Portasalza to the Torre Guevara.