Columbus Monument
Columbus Monument, Cast iron monument in Ciutat Vella, Spain
Description
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.
History
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.
Culture
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.
Practical
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.
Did you know?
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.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Gothic Quarter).
Barcelona offers a wide range of architectural and cultural sites that reflect centuries of Catalan history. The city combines Gothic churches and medieval streets with the organic forms of Antoni Gaudí's modernist buildings. From the Sagrada Família to Parc Güell, his designs shape the cityscape,...
This collection brings together places suitable for families visiting Barcelona with children. It includes museums where young visitors can touch and try things, parks where they can run and play, and leisure spaces made for them. For example, there is the CosmoCaixa museum, where science is made...
Castella
5 m
Fra Antonio de Marchena
5 m
Marquesa de Moya
5 m
Aragon
5 m
Colom davant Fra Juan Pérez de Marchena
5 m
Lleó
5 m
Fra Bernat de Boïl
5 m
Escut de Barcelona
5 m
Christopher Columbus
5 m
Caravel·les i figures alades
5 m
Escut de Puerto Rico
5 m
Martín Alonso Pinzón
5 m
Escut de Colom
5 m
Allegories of the Four Continents in Monument to Columbus (Barcelona)
5 m
Vicente Pinzón
5 m
Jaume Ferrer de Blanes with a Page
5 m
Escut de Palos de Moguer
5 m
Presentació de l'il·lustre genovès
5 m
Escut de Huelva
5 m
Descobriment del Nou Món
5 m
Catalunya
5 m
Colom davant el Consell
5 m
Escut de Santa Fe
5 m
Escut de Cuba
5 m
Lluís de Santàngel
5 m
Capità Margarit
5 m
Cristòfor Colom acompanyat del seu fill
5 m
Eight Lions (Monument to Columbus)
5 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes