The city of Potosi,
Bolivia is a beautiful slice of life in a Bolivian
city. This is a city that captures the visitors' imagination
and draws him into its tempting lure. Take a Bolivia tour
and get lost in the spellbinding lull of life on the altiplano,
or plateau.
If one looks at a map of Bolivia,
one sees a land locked and undeveloped, rugged and vast.
It is for this reason the well-preserved monuments contrast
starkly against the natural wonderland, inspiring Bolivia
travel to all parts of the country. Bolivia's natural
beauty is well and alive.
Arm yourself with a sense of adventure, a walking map
and set out to explore the secluded quarters and shaded
alleyways of Potosi, Bolivia. Like the well preserved
Incan ruins, these stones, some 500 years old, are still
in use, are very much part of Potosi, and is enjoyed by
the visitor, who appreciates the old world ambiance of
this historic city.
Potosi, Bolivia was second in line to having the name
La Plata, as Sucre was once called. This community thrived
here because of the large amounts of silver ore deposits.
Cerro Rico, (or rich mountain) filled with silver, looks
down upon the city, a constant reminder of its claim to
fame. Unfortunately, hundreds of Indians died in the silver
mines under the Mita system, which made them essentially
slave labor - and they were treated and reagarded as such.
By 1800, the mines of Potosi were exhausted, and tin became
the primary industry in Potosi.
Get a glimpse into what life might have been like in
the old days with a visit to the Museo de la Casa de la
Moneda. Colonial era painting and exhibits on metallurgy
and coin making add life and story to this very important
city in Bolivia. Potosi is replete with colonial era treasures,
which include domes, columns, and sculpted gates that
decorate these important buildings, most of which are
usually open to the public. Potosi is filled with rich
sumptuous buildings, which contradict the austere feeling
of most of this city.
San Benito church is an architectural treasure. Begun
around 1700, its carved wood filigrie and incredible Byzantine
like domes are a spectacular sight. San Lorenzo and La
Torre de la Compañía are some of the best examples of
the exquisite and finely crafted houses of worship, created
in true Spanish flair. The churches of the Saints Santo
Domingo, Santo Augustine and San Barbara are also open
to visitors. Bolivia tours made by every kind of visitor
should include a visit to fascinating, historic Potosi.
No visit to Potosi would be complete without a visit
to Sumaj Orcko, whose Pailaviri silver mines are still
important and regularly visited for its natural beauty.
As with any other highly desired resource, Potosi evolved
into a city that revolved around the silver as long as
it was there to be mined. At its height in 1650, over
150,000 people lived here, and it would be safe to say
that it was the most populous city in the world at the
time.
The Santa Teresa Museum has equally stunning displays
of religious splendor but in a gallery setting. Enjoy
the descriptions and take in the historical information
to gain a real understanding of the history within these
walls and enrich your Bolivia travel experience. As with
each city in Bolivia, Potosi is
unique and distinguishes itself as a place unlike any
other.
