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For a detail description
of the hotel of your choice click on the hotel name below.
Potosi Bolivia was founded
by the discovery of ore in silver-rich Cerro Rico (rich hill) in 1544.
Large-scale mining began 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. Then 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 city in Latin America and in
the world. In 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. Its current population is close
to 125,000.
Potosí is at an altitude
of 13,300 feet making it the highest city in the world. The city is well-known
for its cool weather and sometimes freezing rain. Because of the altitude
travelers are cautioned to take it easy at least for a few days.
Note that currently there
is no air service to Potosi.
Tourist Attractions
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.
The Museo de la Casa de la Moneda has exhibits on silver and gold coining
as well as colonial paintings. |
