Columbus Monument

Columbus Monument is a 57-meter cast-iron and bronze structure in Barcelona's Gothic Quarter featuring a bronze statue of the explorer atop a Corinthian column. Four winged victory figures stand at the base of the column.

The monument opened in 1888 during Barcelona's Universal Exhibition, marking the site where Columbus returned after his first voyage to America. It became a symbol of Barcelona's connection to the era of exploration.

Eight bronze reliefs at the base show scenes from Columbus's voyage, while statues represent the regions of Catalonia, Leon, Aragon, and Castile. These carvings tell the story of Spain's role in the age of exploration and honor the different kingdoms that shaped this period.

An internal elevator takes visitors to an observation deck with views of the Gothic Quarter and Barcelona's waterfront. Early morning visits tend to be less crowded than afternoon hours.

The statue's pointing finger actually directs toward Constantine, Algeria, rather than toward the Americas as many visitors assume. This orientation was an intentional artistic choice by the monument's original designer.

Location: Gothic Quarter

Inception: June 1, 1888

Creator: Gaietà Buïgas i Monravà

Architectural style: historicist architecture, cast-iron architecture

Height: 57 m

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Made from material: iron, bronze

Part of: public art in Barcelona

Address: Pl. Portal de la Pau

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 08:30-14:30

Phone: +34932853832

Email: info@barcelonaturisme.com

Website: https://barcelonaturisme.com/wv3/en/page/457/mirador-de-colom.html

GPS coordinates: 41.37580,2.17776

Latest update: December 12, 2025 18:24