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Capital of the region with the same name, and located
4,070 meters (13,350 ft) above sea level, Potosí is the highest city in
the world. Founded in 1545, the city enjoyed a period of time where
it thrived thanks to exploration, discovery, and exploitation (partly
by the Spanish) from the "Cerro Rico de Potosí" (Rich
Hill of Potosí), a mountain made of silver that provided for the city and the Spanish
royalty. This caused Potosi to become the largest city in the
Americas. In 1553, the city received the
title of Imperial City under Carlos V, King of Spain, and was visited
by architects and artists that transformed the city into a symbol of
riches, luxury, and splendor. Its main plaza, "10th of
November," is without a doubt the soul of the city's history.
It was named Plaza del Regocijo (Plaza of Joy) because in 1890, it
was there that they celebrated the "Carnaval and Parties of the
Homeland", and the town enjoyed taking part in the Toreo or Bullfights of the Plaza. Taking a ride around the city, you will find buildings
that served a very important function during the colonization. The
buildings that were in the Plaza Mayor were the Cajas Reales (today
the Municipal Government), and the first house of money (today the
superior court) on the south side; la Iglesia Mayor or Major Church (today
replaced by a cathedral) on its north side; the Cabildo (town hall) until 1850
(currently the police headquarters of the region) on the west
side, and El Empedradillo on the east side. All of this has become a paradise for colonial
and religious architecture lovers. Many churches and private houses
have been or are being restored thanks to international cooperation
and private initiatives. In 1987, Potosí was declared a Patrimonio de la
Humanidad (Patrimony of Humanity) by UNESCO,
a high distinction for a city. This city was created by
miners and still continues to be a miners city.
Region
Potosí
Location
This location is to the southeast of the Republic of Bolivia;
it is bordered to the north by the Oruro and Cochabamba
regions; to the south with the Republic of Argentina; to
the east with the regions of Chuquisaca and Tarija, and to the
west with the Republic of Chile.
When to go
All year
Attractions
Cerro Rico, Casa Real de la Moneda, Temple of San Lorenzo,
Temple of Copacabana, Artificial lagoons.
How to get there
It is recommended to travel first from La Paz to Sucre and
from there take a flight towards Potosi, or you can opt for
the route by land. The journey from Sucre to Potosí takes approximately 3 hours.
Activities
Hiking, photography, cultural observations
Services
Accommodation, tours, transportation.
Surroundings
Lagoons of Kari Kari, Cayara, Betanzos, Tarapaya, Chaqui,
Don Diego, Toro Toro, Salar de Uyuni (Uyuni Salt Flat). |
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