Potosí

Overview

Officially the world’s highest city, Potosí’s history is one of both immense richness and extreme poverty. At the end of the 18th century it was the richest city in Latin America thanks to the silver and metal ores in the Cerro Rico mountain overlooking the city. However, this wealth came at a huge price to the local indigenous populations and the black Africans who were employed as slave labour in order to extract the riches and send them back to Spain. The city today remains both metaphorically and physically in the shadow of the mines with most of the population involved in either the mining or the tourist industry.

The Royal Mint (Casa de la Moneda) is the most visited attraction in Potosí. It is said to be one of the finest museums in South America and houses interesting collections from the buildings many uses, including that as the city´s prison. Around the town are many other excellent examples of colonial architecture and churches which can be visited by tourists, however, some imagination is required to see the town in its full colonial splendour.

The highlight for many visitors to the area is a tour of the mines themselves which allow you to experience first hand the terrible conditions endured by minors, some as young as 12 years old, even today. These tours are not for the faint hearted but provide an incredible insight into the lives of ordinary Bolivians whilst contributing to the city’s fragile economy. Metal processing plants around the...more

History

Potosí was founded in 1546 after the discovery of the rich silver deposites in the Cerro Rico. It soon become one of the wealthiest and largest cites in the Americas. Millions of African slaves and indigenas labourers perrished in mines in the three centuries of colonial ruling. In 1800 the silvermine depleted, leading to a slow economic decline. The wealthy history of Potosí is still reflected in the narrow streets, colonial mansions and the many churches, which makes the city a UNESCO World Heritage Site