Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP
FIESTA DE LA VIRGEN URKUPIÑA
;
LA CANCHA MARKET
;
Palacio de los Portales
Almost 1km north of the city centre, with its entrance on Avenida Potosí • Palace Guided tours Tues-Fri
3.30-6pm, Sat 9.30-11am, Sun 11-11.30am • Bs10 • Garden Tues-Fri 3-6.30pm, Sat-Sun 9am-noon • Free
The
Palacio de los Portales
is the luxurious former house of the Cochabamba-born “King
of Tin”,
Simón Patiño
.
Built between 1915 and 1922 in a bizarre mix of architectural styles
including
French Neoclassical
and
mudéjar
, the palace shows that the mining magnate pos-
sessed rather more money than artistic sense. The interior is decorated with astonishing opu-
lence: marble fireplaces and statues of Roman emperors and St Bernard dogs; walls covered
inrichdamaskorpanelledinfinewood;VenetiancrystalchandeliersandLouisXVfurniture.