Views of Potosi From Above

Many of the churches in Potosi, Bolivia, allowed access — guided or alone — to their bell towers and/or roofs, where you could find stunning views. The red tile roofs of the brightly colored buildings, plus the surrounding hills (including Cerro Rico) created some beautiful vistas. Here are views from three of the churches.

The Museo and Convento San Francisco is the oldest monastery in Bolivia, founded in 1574. The current structure dates to the 1700s. A tour is required to gain access the roof, but there are other things to see as well — stunning paintings, the church itself, and catacombs with ancient bones. Tours are in Spanish only, and cost 20 Bolivianos.

View of Potosi from the roof of the Museo and Convento San Francisco

View of Potosi from the roof of Iglesia San Francisco

View of Potosi from the roof of the Museo and Convento San Francisco

View of the Cathedral from the roof of Iglesia San Francisco

View of Potosi from the roof of the Museo and Convento San Francisco

View of Cerro Rico from the roof of the Museo and Convento San Francisco

The Torre de la Compañía de Jesús was completed around 1707, the church itself no longer exists. You pay 10 Bolivianos to enter, then ascend a staircase to the top. The baroque ornamentation of the tower is the real draw, the view isn’t as good as the view at San Francisco.

View of Potosi from the Torre de la Compañía de Jesús

View of Potosi from inside the Torre de la Compañía de Jesús

View of Cerro Rico from the Torre de la Compañía de Jesús

View of Restaurante Pari Orko and the Iglesia Santa Teresa from the Torre de la Compañía de Jesús

The Iglesia de San Lorenzo de Carangas is located near the market, and is not frequently open. I walked by several times before noticing the gate was ajar. The real attraction here is probably the intricate carvings on the front, but the bell towers (added in 1744) are accessible. I asked and was let in, I gave a 15 Boliviano donation to go up to the top.