Potosi

The discovery of silver (and tin) in the 16th century led to the rapid expansion of Potosi which became at one time the largest city in the Americas. However, the late 20th century collapse in these commodities has left a poor community with dwindling prospects, high in the Andes. Much of the city is colonial, with twisting streets and an atmosphere of decayed grandeur in the odd great mansion; it was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO. It has an abundance of churches and the Mint and the Cerro Rico mine itself are well worth a visit.