The discovery of ore in silver-rich Cerro Rico by Indian Diego Huallpa in 1544 prompted the foundation of the city of Potosí on April 10th, 1545 at the foot of the hill. The city was born under the name of Villa Imperial de Carlos V, in honor of then Spanish King Carlos V. Its founder was Juan de Villarroel. Large-scale excavation began in the site immediately and the first of the silver was sent to Spain. In 1672, a mint was established to coin silver and water reservoirs were built to fulfill the growing population's needs. At that time more than eighty six churches were built and the city's population increased to nearly 200,000, making it one of the largest and wealthiest cities in Latin America and in the world. |
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During the early 19th-century, struggles for independence caused many churches to be looted. Then the city's wealth was removed to Europe or to other parts of the Spanish realm. By then the population dropped to less than 10,000. By the time of independence in 1825, the mines of the Cerro Rico were almost exhausted. On the mid of 19th century, a fall in silver prices hurt Potosi's economy in a way that it has never completely recovered. On December 11, 1987 (in Paris, France), the UNESCO declared the city of Potosí a "World Heritage Site" in recognition for its rich history and its wealth of colonial architecture.
MAIN ATTRACTIONS IN POTOSI
Cerro Rico: Mine tours are available.
La Casa de la Moneda: The first mint in Potosí was built during the second half of the 18th century to control minting activities right where the silver was extracted. Its museum exhibits on silver and gold coining as well as colonial paintings. |
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The Cathedral: Potosí's Cathedral was built during the second half of the 16th century. Finished in the early 1600, it underwent reconstruction works from 1808 to 1838.
San Benito Church: The construction of this church begun on the early 1700. It features marvelous Byzantine domes as well as mestizo wooden carvings.
San Lorenzo Church: The mestizo-Baroque portal carves by 16th century artisans are one of the main attractions. Some paintings by Melchor Pérez de Holguín are displayed in the church.
San Francisco Museum: Built as a convent in 1547, the museum has samples of religious art that includes works by Pérez de Holguín.
Santa Teresa Convent Museum: Founded in1685. Display works by renowned painter Melchor Pérez de Holguín. |
