Cathedral Basilica of Potosí

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Cathedral Basilica of Potosí

The Cathedral Basilica of Nuestra Señora de La Paz, commonly called the Cathedral of Potosí, is a Roman Catholic church in Potosí, Bolivia. It is a minor basilica and cathedral with Baroque and Neoclassical influences. The stone façade faces Plaza 10 de Noviembre in the city center.

The current building was constructed from 1809 to 1836 on the site of the old church that collapsed in 1807. It was promoted by Friar Manuel de Sanahuja, who introduced Neoclassical style to Potosí and designed interior elements. The cathedral contains gold and silver relics, an organ donated by Simón I. Patiño, and part of the space serves as a museum of religious art. It is often called “la Matriz” and sits opposite Cerro Rico.

History of the site goes back to 1564, with plans by Juan Miguel de la Veramendi. After his death, funding came from the La Plata region (Lima) in 1568. Masonry work resumed in 1572, foundations were laid that December, and ongoing progress followed under various authorities, including Viceroy Francisco de Toledo. The original temple had a single nave with a transept and a single tower, which was later enlarged in 1734. The old church remained until the tower collapsed in 1807, leading to the construction of the current cathedral beginning in 1808 and finishing in 1836; it was solemnly consecrated in 1838.