page_title: Architecture of Bolivia
section_title: After independence (1825–1982)
hierarchical_section_title: Architecture of Bolivia / History / After independence (1825–1982)
caption_attribution_description: On the north side of November 10 Square stands the Cathedral. The original structure, which was built starting in 1564 and completed around 1600, largely collapsed in the early 19th century leading to the current neoclassical reconstruction. (The white arches on the right are part of August 6 Square commemorating when Bolivia achieved independence from Spain on 6 August 1825, the last country in Latin America to do so.) Potosí (elev. 4,090m/13,420ft) [for comparison: Lhasa, Tibet, at 3,658m/12,001ft] was founded in 1545 as a mining town at the foot of Rich Hill (Cerro Rico), the world’s largest silver deposit. An estimated 60% of all silver mined in the world during the second half of the 16th century came from Potosí which was reputed to be the world’s largest industrial complex at the time. Its population eventually exceeded 200,000 people, making it one of the largest cities in the world. Most of the mining and smelting (using mercury) was done by forced labor, both indigenous people and African slaves. As many as 8 million workers are estimated to have died between 1545 and 1825. Output began to decline in the early 19th century. By the 1890s, low silver prices prompted a change to mining tin. Growing demand for tin this century by the electronics industry has helped the local economy. Silver extraction continues on a small scale. Miguel de Cervantes’ novel “Don Quixote” describes Potosí as a land of “extraordinary richness” (chapter 71 in the second volume which was published in 1615). The City of Potosí was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. On Google Earth: Plaza 10 de Noviembre 19°35'21.29"S, 65°45'12.83"W Cathedral 19°35'19.67"S, 65°45'12.30"W Plaza 6 de Agosto 19°35'20.47"S, 65°45'10.16"W
context_page_description: The architecture of Bolivia is closely related to its history, culture and religion. Bolivian architecture has been constantly changing and progressing over time. Subject to terrain and high altitudes, most of Bolivia's Pre-Columbian buildings were built for housing, mainly influenced by Bolivian indigenous culture. The arrival of Spanish settlers brought many European-style buildings, and the Spaniards began planning to build big cities. After Independence, the architectural style became Neoclassical and many churches and government buildings were built. In modern Bolivia, like many countries, skyscrapers and post-modern buildings dominate, and of course there are special styles of architecture to attract tourists and build.
  Before the arrival of Spanish settlers, the architecture of the Tiwanaku Empire and the Inca Empire was the main representative of the architectural style of Pre-Columbian Bolivia. They not only reflect the culture of their respective empires, but also the Bolivian indigenous culture.
context_section_description: After gained independence in the early 19th century, the architecture style in Bolivia changed in general. The architectural style became Neoclassical style, which is much like in Europe, but it also retained the characteristics of the early courtyard. During this time, large number of new churches and government buildings were built in Bolivia. But in the early 20th century, due to war, social unrest and economic depression, there was little development in Bolivia's architecture except for the necessary government buildings and churches.
caption: Cathedral, rebuilt in neoclassical style in 19th century because of largely collapsed
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