Discover Potosí, Bolivia: A City Rich In History

Bolivia's city of Potosí is a must-visit for those wanting to learn about the world we live in. Once one of the richest cities in the world, it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sitting at 4,090 metres above sea level, it is a city of extremes: bitter cold, fading grandeur, and a dark history.

Potosí's silver mines of Cerro Rico bankrolled the Spanish Empire for centuries. The city's colonial-era mint, Casa Nacional de la Moneda, is now a museum. The first Spanish colonial coins were printed here.

The city's churches and colonial buildings stand as reminders of its opulent past. The streets were once paved with silver, and the wealthy threw out their silver crockery after use.

Today, Potosí is a poor city, with crumbling hotels and half-finished buildings. However, it offers a unique travel experience and a glimpse into the world's history.

The city's history and UNESCO World Heritage status

The city of Potosí, Bolivia, was founded in the 1500s as a silver mining town by Spanish colonists. During the colonial period, it was known as Villa Imperial de Potosí. Today, it is the capital city of the Department of Potosí in Bolivia.

Potosí is located at the foot of the Cerro de Potosí, also known as the Cerro Rico ("rich mountain"). This mountain was popularly believed to be made of silver ore, and it dominated the city. The Cerro Rico was the major source of silver for the Spanish Empire until Guanajuato in Mexico surpassed it in the 18th century. The silver was transported by llama and mule train to the Pacific coast, then shipped north to Panama City. From there, it was carried by mule train across the isthmus of Panama to be sent to Spain on the Spanish treasure fleets. Silver from Potosí also made its way to Buenos Aires, Acapulco in Mexico, and Asia via the Manila Galleons.

Potosí was once one of South America's most important colonial cities and one of the richest cities in the world. It is estimated that as much as 80% of the world's silver came from the Cerro Rico. The city gave rise to the Spanish expression, "valer un Potosí" ("to be worth a Potosí"), meaning "to be of great value".

The city's historical centre, along with the globally important Cerro Rico, are part of a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1987 and includes the industrial monuments of the Cerro Rico, the colonial town with the Casa de la Moneda, the Church of San Lorenzo, several patrician houses, and the barrios mitayos, the areas where the workers lived.

In the 16th century, Potosí was regarded as the world's largest industrial complex. The extraction of silver ore relied on a series of hydraulic mills, with water provided by an intricate system of aqueducts and artificial lakes. The city's colonial architecture, including its abundance of colonial churches, has been well-preserved, and it continues to be an important mining centre today.

However, in recent years, the city has been facing economic decline, with deteriorating buildings and impoverished working conditions for miners. Despite this, Potosí remains a popular tourist destination for those interested in learning about the city's history and the current-day working conditions in the mines.

The Cerro Rico silver mines

Today, the mines are still active and dangerously so. The working conditions are poor, with miners lacking protective equipment and constantly inhaling dust, which often leads to silicosis, an incurable lung disease. The mortality rate among miners is high, with an estimated 30-300 miners dying each year, and those who survive have a life expectancy of around 40 years.

Despite the dangers, many tourists are drawn to the Cerro Rico mines to witness the harsh working conditions firsthand. Tour companies offer tours of the mines for as little as $10, and it is recommended to book with a reputable guide, preferably someone who has worked in the mines. The tours can be physically demanding and claustrophobic, involving narrow tunnels, stifling heat, and poor air quality.

In addition to the mines themselves, there are other points of interest related to the mining industry in Potosí. The Casa de la Moneda, the former Royal Mint, is now a museum showcasing colonial artifacts and exhibits detailing the city's silver production. The San Francisco Convent, which offers guided tours, provides a great view of Cerro Rico and the city's churches and buildings from its roof.

A visit to the Cerro Rico silver mines in Potosí offers a unique and thought-provoking experience. It provides insight into the harsh realities of the mining industry, both historically and in the present day, and allows visitors to understand the impact that this industry has had on the city of Potosí and the world.

The Casa Nacional de Moneda

The museum gives information on the importance of extracting money from the mines of Potosi, the birth of capitalism in 16th-century Europe, different currencies, and the first locomotive in the country, among other things. The guided tour of the interior of the mint is a highlight, with the guides following different itineraries. The building itself is an impressive example of colonial architecture.

A visit to the Casa Nacional de Moneda provides a fascinating insight into the history of silver production in Potosi and its impact on the region's economy and culture. It is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of mining, coinage, and the colonial era.

The Plaza 10 de Noviembre

Plaza 10 de Noviembre is the main square in Potosi, Bolivia, and is considered the heart of the historic city. It is a central hub, surrounded by many of the city's colonial-era buildings, including the Casa de Moneda (the first mint in the Americas), the Cathedral, the Cabildo (town hall), and the Royal Treasury. The square is also the site of many important monuments, including the Statue of Liberty, a heron in one of the fountains, a muse, and a cherub.

The square is a bustling place, full of street vendors selling traditional snacks like salteñas and freshly squeezed fruit juices. It is also the site of many civic and cultural events throughout the year, from political rallies to the great water-balloon fight during Carnaval. Twice a year, since 1890, the square hosts the Carnival, as well as other national holidays. In the past, it was also the site of bullfights.

The altitude and weather

Sitting at a lofty height of 4,067 metres (13,420 feet) above sea level, Potosi is a high-altitude city. The altitude is so high that it can cause altitude sickness, and the thin air can make visitors huff and puff. The high altitude also makes the city bitterly cold at night, so visitors will need to wrap up warm. However, during the day, the closer proximity to the sun means that sunscreen is a must.

The weather in Potosi is often overcast and bitterly cold. The city is located in the Bolivian highlands, and the climate is cold and dry. The temperature rarely exceeds 15°C (59°F) during the day, and at night, it can drop to below freezing. The city experiences a lot of sunshine, but also frequent storms and strong winds. The rainy season in Potosi is from December to March, with the dry season lasting from May to October.

The high altitude of Potosi is due to its location in the Andes mountains. The city is surrounded by towering peaks, including the famous Cerro Rico hill, which overlooks the city. The altitude of Potosi has had a significant impact on its history and development. During the colonial era, the Spanish discovered rich sources of silver and tin in the area. The intense mining activity that took place in Potosi during this time is believed to have caused pollution that has been detected under the Peruvian ice caps.

The altitude of Potosi is definitely a factor to consider when planning a visit to the city. It is important to take precautions to prevent altitude sickness, such as drinking coca tea, chewing coca leaves, and drinking plenty of water. The cold weather at night can also be a challenge, so warm clothing and blankets are essential. However, the altitude also offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the city itself.

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