Potosi, whose name derives from Quechua language P'utuqsi that means "noise", is the capital of the Department of Potosi. This Bolivian city is located at an altitude of 3.967 m. above sea level and has a population of 115.000 inhabitants. It is the second highest city in the world after the Peruvian city of Cerro de Pasco. It spreads around the slopes of the Cerro Rico, a mountain that had a huge seam of silver.

Potosi has been declared Heritage of Mankind by UNESCO. The city has an enormous architectural heritage represented by a big number of colonial buildings: Potosi Cathedral, of gothic style, Casa de la Moneda, built between 1757 and 1773, which preserves important colonial files and constitutes one of the most important resident buildings in Latin America, together with Tomas Frias University.

One of the symbols of the city is the Company Tower, a religious monastery from the 17th century, which reflects the highest splendour of Potosi. Its building was made as a triumph arch with five openings, thirty-two Solomonic columns (also known as barley-sugar columns), and three mid-orange shaped domes. It is a splendid expression of spirituality.

In San Francisco church, as well as in San Lorenzo church, there are big art exposures including indigenous deities and symbols of Christianity. These are only a part of the numerous churches that are distributed every two blocks in Potosi city.

Informatión of Potosí The history of Sucre Places to visit in Potosí Casa de la Moneda (Coin House) - Potosí Uyuni salt plane - Potosí Otras Atracciones en Potosí Reserva Eduardo Abaroa - Potosí Lagoon - Red, Green and White - Potosí