Architecture sights in Potosí
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Calle Quijarro
North of the Iglesia de San Agustín, Calle Quijarro narrows as it winds between a wealth of colonial buildings, many with doorways graced by old family crests. It's thought that the bends in Calle Quijarro were an intentional attempt to inhibit the cold winds that would otherwise whistle through and chill everything in their path. This concept is carried to extremes on the Pasaje de Siete Vueltas - 'the passage of seven turns'.
During colonial times Calle Quijarro was the street of potters, but it's now known for its hat makers. One millinery worth visiting is that of Don Antonio Villa Chavarría (Quijarro 41).
The intersection of Calles Quijarro and Modesto Omiste, furth…
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La Catedral
Construction of La Catedral was initiated in 1564 and finally completed around 1600. The original building lasted until the early 19th century, when it mostly collapsed. Most of what is now visible is the neoclassical construction, and the building’s elegant lines represent one of Bolivia’s best exemplars of that style. The interior décor represents some of the finest in Potosí but it’s currently closed for a face-lift. You can visit the bell tower for nice views of the city.
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La Capilla de Nuestra Señora de Jerusalén
La Capilla de Nuestra Señora de Jerusalén is a little-known Potosí gem. Originally built as a humble chapel in honor of the Virgen de Candelaria, it was rebuilt more lavishly in the 18th century. It houses a fine gilt Baroque retablo - the Virgin has pride of place - and a magnificent series of paintings of Biblical scenes by anonymous artists of the Potosí school. The impressive pulpit has small paintings by Melchor Pérez de Holguín. Entry is by enthusiastic and well-informed guided tour.
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Portón Mestizo
Potosí's elaborate colonial architecture merits a stroll around the narrow streets to take in the ornate doorways and façades, as well as the covered wooden balconies that overhang the streets. On Calle Junín, between Matos and Bolívar, is an especially lovely and elaborate Portón Mestizo doorway, flanked by twisted columns. It once graced the home of the Marqués de Otavi, but now ushers patrons into the Banco Nacional.
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Iglesia de San Lorenzo de Carangas
The ornate Mestizo baroque portal of Iglesia de San Lorenzo de Carangas is probably one of the most photographed subjects in Bolivia. It was carved in stone by master indigenous artisans in the 16th century, but the main structure wasn’t completed until the bell towers were added in 1744. Inside are two Holguín paintings and handcrafted silverwork on the altar. The church was renovated in 1987.
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Iglesia de Santo Domingo
The recently renovated Iglesia de Santo Domingo contains an ornate portal, an unusual paneled ceiling and one of the eight original panels from the life of Santa Rosa de Lima, by Juan Díaz and Juan Francisco de la Puente. As well, there are other colonial paintings and sculptures located here. To gain admission to the church, visit on Sunday prior to the Mass.
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Pasaje de Siete Vueltas
It's thought that the bends in Calle Quijarro were an intentional attempt to inhibit the cold winds that would otherwise whistle through and chill everything in their path. This concept is carried to extremes on the Pasaje de Siete Vueltas - 'the passage of seven turns' - which is an extension of Calle Ingavi, east of Junín.
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Arcos de Cobija
Potosí's elaborate colonial architecture merits a stroll around the narrow streets to take in the ornate doorways and façades, as well as the covered wooden balconies that overhang the streets. Architecturally notable are the Arcos de Cobija on the street of the same name.
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El Cabildo
Potosí’s elaborate colonial architecture merits a stroll around the narrow streets to take in the ornate doorways and facades, as well as the covered wooden balconies that overhang the streets. An architecturally notable home and monument is El Cabildo
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Iglesia de la Merced
Constructed between 1555 and 1687, restored Iglesia de la Merced has a carved pulpit, a gorgeous wooden ceiling and a beautiful 18th-century silver arch over the altarpiece. It houses a lovely small museum and you can visit the catacombs and the bell tower.
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Iglesia de San Bernardo
The former church and convent of Iglesia de San Bernardo is most notable for its spectacular façade of un-dressed boulders. The cavernous interior now houses a Spanish-sponsored school of art restoration.
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Iglesia de San Agustín
Iglesia de San Agustín, with its elegant Renaissance doorway, is known for its eerie underground crypts and catacombs. At time of research, it was being equipped to open for the public.
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Iglesia de San Benito
Building began on the Iglesia de San Benito in 1711 and it's laid out in the form of a Latin cross and features Byzantine domes and a distinctive mestizo doorway.
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Iglesia de San Juan de Dios
Iglesia de San Juan de Dios has stood since the 1600s despite its adobe construction.
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