Bolivia Attractions
Description
Venue: Potosi When: Daily
The colonial town of Potosi in south-west Bolivia, at 4070 metres, is the highest city in the world and has been declared a "cultural asset of humankind", by UNESCO.
The main attraction here is the Cerro Rico (Rich Mountain) silver mine. From deep beneath the mountain, huge amounts of silver have been extracted since 1545, originally by the conquistadors. Visitors can descend in an elevator to 240 metres below ground to view the various galleries where lead-silver, zinc-silver and tin are extracted.
During the city's most prosperous period, after the discovery of silver, a wealth of beautiful colonial buildings were constructed, including more than 80 churches. Highlights include the Casa Nacional de la Moneda (National Mint House), which was completed in 1575 in order to coin silver. San Benito Church features impressive Byzantine domes and San Lorenzo Church has beautiful portal carvings.
The local area is well-known for its cool climate and occasional freezing rain.
The colonial town of Potosi in south-west Bolivia, at 4070 metres, is the highest city in the world and has been declared a "cultural asset of humankind", by UNESCO.
The main attraction here is the Cerro Rico (Rich Mountain) silver mine. From deep beneath the mountain, huge amounts of silver have been extracted since 1545, originally by the conquistadors. Visitors can descend in an elevator to 240 metres below ground to view the various galleries where lead-silver, zinc-silver and tin are extracted.
During the city's most prosperous period, after the discovery of silver, a wealth of beautiful colonial buildings were constructed, including more than 80 churches. Highlights include the Casa Nacional de la Moneda (National Mint House), which was completed in 1575 in order to coin silver. San Benito Church features impressive Byzantine domes and San Lorenzo Church has beautiful portal carvings.
The local area is well-known for its cool climate and occasional freezing rain.
Bolivia Information
Bolivian National Ministry of Tourism
Address: Edificio Cámara de Comercio, Piso 11, La Paz, Bolivia
Email: info@turismobolivia.bo
Phone: +591 (0) 2 233 4849
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Looking for things to do around Bolivia? Here are some of the events and attractions happening in the area.
| Feast Day of the Exaltation of the Cross |
14 Sep 2009 (annual) Oruro |
| Candlemas |
Feb 2009 (annual) Copacabana |
| Fiesta of the Virgin of Copacabana |
Aug 2009 (annual) Copacabana |
| Feast Day of the Almighty Lord |
May 2009 (annual) Central La Paz, La Paz |
| Devil's Carnival (La Diablada) |
Feb 2009 (annual) Oruro |
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