GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Potosí is a city and the capital of the department of Potosí in Bolivia. It is one of the highest cities in the world at a nominal 4,090 metres (13,420 ft). Potosí lies at the foot of the Cerro de Potosí or sometimes called Cerro Rico ( rich mountain) — a mountain popularly conceived of as being "made of" silver ore that dominates the city.

FABIO'S REVIEW

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Green-Visiting

The silver mine of Potosi was a pillar of the Spanish Empire, with catastrophic repercussions on the indigenous population: an estimated eight million Inca slaves died in the process. In the 17th century Potosi was one of the world’s wealthiest city, now it is basically a dump, except for a few well-preserved colonial buildings (under restoration by UNESCO) and a museum. What remains of Potosí's past wealth is observable only in the expression ""un potosí"", used to describe someone very rich.

The mine is still open, and if you are in good physical conditions, I highly recommend a visit: it was one of the most physically-challenging experiences of my year-long overland South American trip (and heck that trip was tiring in itself)!

LOCATIONS EXPERIENCED

Fabio_s-LifeTour---Bolivia-(2015-March)---Potosi---city---2178-cover

POTOSI CITY

Potosí is a city in the southern highlands of Bolivia. Its long mining history is on view at Cerro Rico. Potosí’s former mint, the central Casa Nacional de la Moneda, is now a museum dedicated to Bolivian art and history. Next to the mint, Plaza 10 de Noviembre is a square lined with ornate colonial buildings, including the cathedral.

Fabio_s-LifeTour---Bolivia-(2015-March)---Potosi---mine---2.-Inside-the-mine-(welcome-to-hell)---4493-cover

MINE

The Cerro Rico de Potosí mine is one of the largest silver mines in the world. It has estimated reserves of 1.76 billion oz of silver and 540 million tonnes of ore grading 0.17% tin.

POTOSI CITY

Fabio_s-LifeTour---Bolivia-(2015-March)---Potosi---city---2178-cover

Potosí is a city in the southern highlands of Bolivia. Its long mining history is on view at Cerro Rico. Potosí’s former mint, the central Casa Nacional de la Moneda, is now a museum dedicated to Bolivian art and history. Next to the mint, Plaza 10 de Noviembre is a square lined with ornate colonial buildings, including the cathedral.

MINE

Fabio_s-LifeTour---Bolivia-(2015-March)---Potosi---mine---2.-Inside-the-mine-(welcome-to-hell)---4493-cover

The Cerro Rico de Potosí mine is one of the largest silver mines in the world. It has estimated reserves of 1.76 billion oz of silver and 540 million tonnes of ore grading 0.17% tin.

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