Potosi
About Potosi
Explore historic Potos, once the most important city on the continent and currently the highest city in the world at 4100 meters 13,500ft above sea level. Situated at the foot of Cerro Rico Rich Mountain, it was famed for its mineral wealth, especially silver and it's population was equal in size to contemporary London and today is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The mines in the region were so rich that the city use to be one of the most wealthiest cities in the Americas. There is nice colonial architecture to see in the area. Take guided tours to the mines, the striking churches and the former Royal Mint, Casa Real de la Moneda.
The most vivited museums are The Museo de la Casa de la Moneda which has exhibits on silver and gold coining as well as colonial paintings, Museo de San Francisco which was built as a convent in 1547 and has samples of religious art which includes works by Perez de Holguin and Museo de Santa Teresa displays works by renowned painter Melchor Perez de Holguin.
You can also visit the beautiful churches of this city such as the San Benito Church whose construction began in the early 1700 and it features marvelous Byzantine domes as well as mestizo wooden carvings and San Lorenzo Church that features the mestizo-Baroque portal carvings by 16th century artisans is one of the main attractions. Some paintings by Melchor Perez de Holgun are displayed in the church.