Potosí is located at 4,060 meters above sea level. It is dry and isolated with rough winters. But it is home to Cerro Rico, or “rich hill,” a mountain of silver exploited by the Spanish conquerors. Mining in Cerro Rico still occurs today, but much of the prime silver has already been mined. It is said that enough silver was mined in Cerro Rico to build a bridge between South America and Spain. It is also said that another bridge could be made of all the human bones of those who lost their lives in the mine. Because of the mine, the royal mint was built in Potosí.
Plaza 10 de Noviembre is where the revolution in Potosí began in 1810. Flanking one side of the square is Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace built in 1808.
The Santa Teresa Convent was founded in 1685 by the Carmelita Order.
We stopped at a cafe in the main square for their famous hot chocolate with churros. I gave them an A+.
The drive to Potosí from Sucre was stunning and full of hair pin turns crawling up mountain faces. Luckily, Whit nabbed a quick photo out the bus window on our drive.
It is very interesting to ponder your post while you are there and I am (was just) in Madrid. Spain’s national holiday celebrates Christpher Columbus discovering the Americas. I’ve realized now this is because Spain owes everything to him. They became the wealthiest and most powerful nation in the world thanks to Columbus opening up endless resources to plunder and pillage… including the silver from Potosi.
And, this is also why centuries later you and I can be on opposite sides of the globe eating the same delicious Spanish chocolate & churros.