Exploring The Heights Of Potosí, Bolivia's Mountainous City

Located in the Bolivian Tin Belt, Potosí is the highest city in the world, with an altitude of 4,090 m (13,420 ft). It is the capital city of the Department of Potosí in Bolivia and is known for its mining industry, particularly silver. The city has a long history dating back to the 16th century when it was a major centre for silver mining and production. Today, it continues to be an important administrative and mining centre, attracting tourists with its well-preserved colonial architecture and unusual geographic setting.

Potosí is located at an altitude of 4,067m

Potosí is located at an altitude of 4,067 m (13,343 ft) above sea level. This makes it one of the highest cities in the world. The city's elevation is just a touch below 4,100 m, making it the fifth-highest city in South America.

The high altitude of Potosí can cause shortness of breath and a sudden inability to walk and talk at the same time. Visitors to the city are advised to take it easy, drink lots of water, avoid heavy food, and chew coca leaves. The low temperatures at this altitude can also be intense, so it is recommended to layer up with long trousers, jumpers, and coats, especially at night. However, despite the cold, the intense sunlight at this altitude means that sun cream and sunglasses are also necessary.

Potosí's altitude has had a significant impact on its history. The city was founded in 1545 after the discovery of silver in the surrounding Cerro Rico mountains. The Spanish colonialists put the indigenous population to work in the mines, as they were the only ones who could carry out this type of heavy labour at such a high altitude. The city became incredibly wealthy, attracting people from all over the world, and grand churches, convents, and buildings were constructed. However, the working conditions in the mines were horrific, and millions of people died. When the mines were exhausted in the early 19th century, the city was left empty, and poverty took hold.

Today, Potosí remains an important mining centre, producing silver, tin, lead, antimony, and copper. The city is also a growing tourist destination, with visitors drawn to its well-preserved colonial architecture and unusual geographic setting.

It is the highest city in Bolivia and the fifth-highest in South America

Potosí is the highest city in Bolivia and the fifth-highest in South America. It sits at an altitude of 4,067 metres (13,420 feet) above sea level. The city owes its historical importance to the Cerro Rico ("rich mountain"), a mountain that is largely composed of silver ore. This mountain was the major source of silver for the Spanish Empire until the 18th century, and the mineral wealth of the city made it one of the largest and richest cities in South America during the 16th and 17th centuries.

The Cerro Rico is still mined today, and Potosí remains an important mining centre. However, the city has struggled economically in recent times. The city's high altitude makes life difficult for its residents, with altitude sickness being a common issue for visitors. The low temperatures can also be challenging, but the city centre has a pleasant atmosphere and the locals are known for their friendliness.

Potosí's long history as a mining town is evident in its well-preserved colonial architecture. The historic centre of the city, along with the globally important Cerro Rico, are part of a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city features narrow, winding streets that originate in the central plaza, where the main governmental buildings and the cathedral are located. Other notable structures include the Church of San Lorenzo, with its ornate Baroque facade, and the Casa de la Moneda, the former colonial mint that now houses a museum.

The city's elevation and mining history have shaped its culture and attractions. Visitors to Potosí can take organised tours of the mines, providing an eye-opening experience of the harsh working conditions miners face. The city also offers a variety of religious sites and stunning architecture to explore, including churches, convents, and colonial buildings.

The city is known for its mining industry, particularly silver

The city of Potosí in Bolivia is one of the highest cities in the world, sitting at 4,090 m (13,418 ft) above sea level. The city is known for its mining industry, particularly silver.

Potosí was founded in 1545 as a mining town and quickly became one of the wealthiest cities in Latin America due to its rich silver deposits. The Cerro Rico de Potosí, also known as the "rich mountain," is located right beside the city and was considered one of the world's largest silver mines. The silver ore from this mountain was processed using hydraulic mills and a mercury amalgamation process, which allowed for large-scale extraction.

The Spanish colonial government implemented a forced labour system called "mita," which required native Peruvians and African slaves to work in the mines under harsh and dangerous conditions. The mined silver was then moulded into bars and sent to the Spanish colonial mint in the city, which was the first in the Americas. From there, the silver was transported to Spain via llama and mule trains, and later by ship.

Today, Potosí remains an important mining centre, although the focus has shifted to other metals like tin and zinc. The city is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised for its well-preserved colonial architecture and unique geographic setting.

The Cerro Rico mountain is at the heart of the city's mining history

The Cerro Rico mountain, also known as the "Rich Mountain", is at the heart of the city of Potosí's mining history. The mountain, located in the Andes near the Bolivian city of Potosí, is popularly believed to be "made of" silver ore. This belief is not far from the truth, as the Cerro Rico mountain has been the source of vast quantities of silver.

The history of mining in the Cerro Rico mountain dates back to the 16th century when the Spanish Empire began extracting mineral ores in 1545. The silver from the mountain is estimated to have constituted 60% of the world's supply during this time, funding the Spanish Empire's mission to colonize the New World. The Cerro Rico de Potosí was the richest source of silver in human history, producing up to 80% of the world's silver supply between the 16th and 18th centuries.

The Potosí region was originally inhabited by the indigenous Charcas and Chullpas people, who lived in relative harmony and crafted wares from silver and clay. However, this harmony was disrupted when the Incas arrived in the 16th century and quickly conquered the natives, forcing them into a system of slavery known as "mit'a" to mine for silver. According to legend, an Incan emperor intended to increase mining in the region until he heard a voice from deep within the mountain, warning him that the silver was intended for "others". Soon after, the Spanish arrived and took control of the region and its mines, adopting the "mit'a" system and forcing the Inca and other natives into slavery.

The labour conditions in the Cerro Rico mines were brutal and dangerous. Native American and African slave labourers were forced to work long shifts of up to 20 hours, with little regard for their health and safety. The miners faced harsh conditions, including the constant inhalation of dust, extreme temperature changes, and the risk of accidents and injuries. It is believed that millions of miners died due to the harsh conditions and mercury poisoning. The mountain became known as the "mountain that eats men", reflecting the human toll of the mining operations.

Despite the dangers and challenges, the Cerro Rico mountain continues to be mined for silver today. The city of Potosí remains a significant mining centre, employing approximately 15,000 miners. However, the mountain has been severely damaged by centuries of extractive mining methods, and in 2014, UNESCO added Cerro Rico and Potosí to its list of endangered sites due to uncontrolled mining operations.

The city has a well-preserved colonial architecture

The city of Potosí, Bolivia, is one of the highest cities in the world, standing at 4,090 m (13,420 ft) above sea level. It was founded in 1545 as a mining town and soon became the major supplier of silver for the Spanish Empire. Today, it is still an important mining centre, producing silver, zinc, and tin.

Potosí is also known for its well-preserved colonial architecture. The historic centre of the city, including the Cerro Rico de Potosí, is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city's grand churches and ornate colonial architecture contrast with the narrow, cobblestoned streets, creating a unique atmosphere.

One notable example of the colonial architecture in Potosí is the Casa de la Moneda, or the "House of Money". This building was originally the colonial mint, where silver was refined, moulded into bricks, and pounded into coins. Today, it houses a museum that displays artefacts related to the city's mining history, such as models of the ships that carried silver to Spain and the original mule-driven wooden cog machines used to mould the silver.

Another important colonial-era structure in Potosí is the Church of San Lorenzo, which features a detailed Baroque facade. The church dates back to the 16th century and is just one of many colonial-era churches in the city that have been carefully restored.

In addition to religious buildings, Potosí also boasts several patrician houses from the colonial era. These grand residences, along with the surrounding streets and plazas, reflect the wealth and importance of the city during its colonial past.

The preservation of Potosí's colonial architecture is a testament to the city's rich history and cultural significance, offering visitors a glimpse into the past and a better understanding of the present.

Frequently asked questions