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 decor represents some of the finest in Potosí. You can visit the bell tower for nice views of the city.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Bell Tower

Visit the bell tower of Potosí's central cathedral for nice views of the city. The side entrance is hard to spot.

2. Portón Mestizo

0.05 MILES

On Calle Junín, between Matos and Bolívar, this especially lovely and elaborate doorway, flanked by twisted columns, once graced the home of the Marqués…

3. Casa Nacional de la Moneda

0.07 MILES

The National Mint is Potosí’s star attraction and one of South America’s finest museums. Potosí’s first mint was constructed on the present site of the…

4. El Cabildo

0.07 MILES

City Hall is housed in an elaborately designed colonial-era building with an ornately carved portal occupying the western side of Plaza 10 de Noviembre.

5. Iglesia de la Merced

0.1 MILES

Constructed between 1555 and 1687, the restored Iglesia de la Merced has a carved pulpit, a gorgeous wooden ceiling and a beautiful 18th-century silver…

6. Torre de la Compañía de Jesús

0.11 MILES

The ornate and beautiful bell tower, on what remains of the former Jesuit church, was completed in 1707 after the collapse of the original church. Both…

7. Pasaje de Siete Vueltas

0.12 MILES

This passageway, an extension of Calle Ingavi, east of Junín, wends around a series of angular turns, displaying some interesting architectural quirks…

8. Casa de las Tres Portadas

0.13 MILES

An architecturally notable home that once housed lay sisters of the Franciscan order. It has three separate and widely spaced doorways with finely…