Travel
There is so much to do and so much to see in Potosi. Check out our list of tourist attractions in the region of Potosi.
Plaza 10 de Noviembre
As the Plaza 10 de Noviembre is located in the heart of the city of Potosí, most of the civic events like political rallies or Carnival traditions take place on the square. Apart from that, the most important buildings are located on the Plaza 10 de Noviembre such as the Mint, the Cathedral and the Mayor's and Governor's Office.
Catedral Villa Imperial Potosí
The Cathedral Villa Imperial Potosí located on the Plaza 10 de Noviembre was built in 1809 after the collapse of the original church in 1807. The construction of the church was influenced by colonial and neo-classical style. The Cathedral has a stone facade, and the altars are decorated with gold leaf. It is recommended to go up to the bell-tower to enjoy some nice views of the city.
Iglesia de San Lorenzo de Carangas
San Lorenzo de Carangas is an antique church – one of the first churches built in Potosí. It is located on Héroes del Chaco, Villa Imperial de Potosí. The construction of the San Lorenzo church already begun in 1548, though it had to be repaired ten years later. In the 18th century, the church was remodeled again. The dome was raised, and a baroque mestizo façade was constructed. Nowadays, the San Lorenzo de Carangas church is famous for the portal with its variety of ornaments, thus making it one of the most photographed subjects in Bolivia.
Casa de la Moneda de Bolivia
The Casa de la Moneda de Bolivia (National Mint of Bolivia) is a mint located in the city center of Potosí, close to the Plaza 10 de Noviembre. The enormous, famous National Mint of Bolivia was constructed between 1753 and 1773. It was not just used as a mint where Indians and slaves minted silver coins from the Cerro Rico, but also served as a prison, a fortress and was the base of the army. Nowadays, the building is a museum exhibiting scale models, coins, and other artifacts. The museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 9 am to 12:30 pm and from 2:30 pm to 6:30 pm. On Sundays it is open from 9 am to 12 am. It is recommended to participate in a guided tour that takes approximately 2 hours. Guided tours are offered at 9 am, 10:30 am, 2:30 pm, and 4:30 pm from Tuesday to Saturday and at 9 am and 10:30 am on Sundays.
Cerro Rico
The Cerro Rico, the Rich Hill, is a mountain located close to Potosí. During the Spanish Empire, it provided large amounts of silver for Spain. Thanks to the Rich Hill, the city of Potosí became one of the largest cities in the New World. The city of Potosí still depends on the Cerro Rico being an important contributor to the economy of Potosí. The Rich Hill still employs around 15,000 miners.
Museo Histórico Minero Diego Huallpa
The Historic of the Miner Diego Huallpa is located inside the Pailaviri mine in the Cerro Rico, 460 meters from the Pailaviri entrance. Diego Huallpa was an Indian who discovered a silver reef on the Potosí hill around 1545. In total, the Museo Histórico Minero Diego Huallpa has a length of 857 meters. Visitors can see the Uncle de la Mina, a deity worshipped by the miners, and get an idea of how the miners worked in the mines.
Museo Universitario Ricardo Bohorquez
The Museo Universitario Ricardo Bohorquez exhibits a collection of archaeological pieces and works of contemporary and ancient art. The pieces are grouped by areas. In total, the museum has eight different rooms, amongst them a room for Archaeology, Mineralogy, Contemporary Art, Sculptures, and History. The museum is located on Calle Bolivar and is open from Monday to Friday from 8 am to 12 am and from 2 pm to 6 pm.
Santa Teresa Convent and Museum
The Santa Teresa Convent was built in 1685 and is still the home of Carmelite nuns. Nowadays, the convent is also a museum. Guided tours through the museum and convent are offered on Mondays and from Wednesday to Saturday at 09:00 am, 11:00 am, 12:30 pm and 5:00 pm. On Tuesdays and Sundays, there are guided tours at 09:00 am and 11:00 am. During such a tour visitors learn more about the history of the convent as well as the sculptures and paintings inside the convent. There is also a collection of organs and other musical instruments, a room of keys and locks as well as a room full of sculptural portrayals of Christ at the Crucifixion.
San Francisco Museum
Like the Santa Teresa Museum, the San Francisco Museum is also part of a convent. The San Francisco Convent is the oldest convent in Bolivia. Amongst other things, the San Francisco Museum is popular for having the 25 scenes from the life of St Francis of Assisi exhibited. You can also visit catacombs in this museum. Another highlight is the tower with its amazing views of the city. There are guided tours in the morning and in the afternoon from Monday to Friday and in the morning on Saturdays.
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