Among ancient churches, Covent Colonial Potosi stands tall, a city renown with prestige in Europe, in times of Ferdinand and Isabella. Achieving its name has acquired a certain value, where in some places the payment of a Potosis meant paying in silver coins.
This is not unusual, if we think that of its hill, once removed three quarters of the silver that arrived at Europe in the days of the Crown.
In its streets the most cosmopolitan part of the city has developed.
To the outskirts everything changes.
And again the landscape and the roads lets you explore the beautiful solitude of the Highlands.
Social and friendly characters, its people, proud of their land and the splendor of an era. They invite you to share the secrets of the thermal waters, putting the icing on the picturesque landscape.
Located in a unique place. And known since the times of the Inca, who came here to venerate the Hill of Potosí.
This site is filled with stories and legends.
Making bathing in its warm waters a special experience.
Although to really know these people you have to go underground. There is where you can find the true story.
A mining town.
Potosi, created more than 500 years ago has reached a population greater than that of London in its time. Passed by here and marketed for goods worldwide. As the wealth of the hill was invaluable.
Between explosions and blasts the hill has fallen hundreds of meters.
While here, buying and playing with dynamite is normal. Within reach of anyone.
Many lives have perished and continue to die on the hill. Many souls have been sent to the Godfather. Affectionately called by the miners as the devil whom they worship and revere. By making offerings of alcohol, cocaine and snuff.
Thus, in the belief of these people, God protects and cares for you in heaven. On earth. But here, underground, the lord and master is the devil. And one should be happy if he is to protect you. Every year the carnival will kill llamas and alpacas. This is when the red becomes the walls of these mines. Trying to quench the thirst for blood and sponsor.
In the mine all take, or suck, as they say, and invite the sponsor to pure 90 degree alcohol. For if the offering is pure, pure metal will you find.
Each mine has its Godfather.
Here the families work in shifts.
As if they are cobras.
So do nothing vague.
But do not leave your gallery, because if another comes and grabs your vein...you've lost out !!!!!!
Thus, families cover shifts. From the age of 15.
The mine has no timetable and no dates on the calendar. And with the coming of the sun, it marks their days. It is open 24 hours, 365 days a year.
Chewing coca during the day, so that they remain strong and without hunger. To save time eating.
Ventilation is provided by diesel which, as soon as it arrives must supply all of the mine.
Up and down the heavy minerals are pushed by hand.
Making the air increasingly heavy.
For once outside the mine, the minerals are hand selected.
And thus it is still alive and has survived as one of the most prestigious cities and renowned in Europe. What happened to the story while forgetting.
Among impressive cathedrals.
And beautiful patios.
Life has turned the streets of this city into absolute glamor and wealth. Where in times of past, in their festivals even some of the gold paved the streets of Holy Week.
A city, simple and humble, which has survived from the hope of their miners. Who everyday dreams of finding a new vein, new fortune. And it gives back to them, that what was stolen from them.
While their doors are always open to anyone who wants to know.
Walking through its streets and its legends.
But the most beautiful of these people are the ones where no one has stolen their smile.
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