Mirador de Colom (Columbus Monument), Barcelona

Mirador de Colom (Columbus Monument), Barcelona

The 60-meter Columbus Monument at the lower end of Barcelona's La Rambla was built for the 1888 Barcelona Universal Exposition. Honoring Christopher Columbus’ first voyage to the Americas, the monument symbolizes his return to Barcelona, upon which he reported to Queen Isabella I and King Ferdinand V.

The structure features a 7.2-meter bronze statue of Columbus atop a 40-meter Corinthian column. Originally intended to face west, towards the Americas, Columbus is instead depicted pointing east – reportedly towards his birthplace of Genoa, Italy. Others, however, believe that it simply strikes a dramatic pose toward the sea, symbolizing Columbus’ achievements in naval exploration. The statue stands on a base inscribed with the word "Tierra," which means “land”. Below it, the column is supported by an octagonal pedestal adorned with bronze victories, griffins, and medallions representing figures related to Columbus.

The pedestal’s base includes sculptures of historical figures, such as cartographer Jaume Ferrer and Catholic preacher Father Bernat de Boïl, along with bas-relief panels that illustrate significant moments from Columbus’ voyage, including his departure from Palos de la Frontera and his meeting with the King and Queen in Barcelona. Additionally, the monument’s base features coats-of-arms from locations that Columbus visited, such as Puerto Rico and Cuba.

The idea for the monument originated in 1856. Funded mostly through private donations, it was completed in 1888. The monument is exclusively a Catalan endeavor, with all the labor and materials sourced from the region, thus symbolizing the Catalans' recognition of Christopher Columbus as one of their own, despite his Italian origins.

Tip:
Take the time to go around the monument and observe the sculptures showcased at its base.
Inside the column, visitors can take an elevator to a viewing platform for a sweeping panorama of the surrounding area.
Also, check out the wine bar at the monument's cellar and a boutique offering unique souvenirs and gifts that surpass the mass-produced items found at street vendors.
A combined ticket for both the lift ride and wine tasting can be obtained at the base of the monument.

Viewing Platform:
Daily: 8:30 am–2:30 pm

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Mirador de Colom (Columbus Monument) on Map

Sight Name: Mirador de Colom (Columbus Monument)
Sight Location: Barcelona, Spain (See walking tours in Barcelona)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Barcelona, Spain

Create Your Own Walk in Barcelona

Create Your Own Walk in Barcelona

Creating your own self-guided walk in Barcelona is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
La Rambla Walking Tour

La Rambla Walking Tour

One of the main streets in central Barcelona, La Rambla is popular with tourists and locals alike. Connecting the city’s old port with Plaça de Catalunya, it is filled with cultural and historic landmarks, as well as many terraces, restaurants, shops and street artists. Spanish poet, Federico García Lorca once said it was “the only street in the world which I wish never ended.”

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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
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Montjuic Walking Tour

Montjuic Walking Tour

Montjuic is a hill in Barcelona which offers a variety of great attractions of historic, cultural, and architectural value. Here, you can watch a spectacular water show at the Magic Fountain of Montjuic, visit the place where matadors faced the bulls in the past, and explore the ancient Montjuic Castle with its breathtaking views.

A convenient start point, Placa d'Espanya is the second...  view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.0 Km or 3.1 Miles
Antoni Gaudí's Masterpieces Walking Tour

Antoni Gaudí's Masterpieces Walking Tour

Antoni Gaudi, a seminal figure in the Catalan Modernism movement, is one of the top architects of the 20th century. The unique technique and use of natural forms in his works stand out from the pack and have left an indelible mark on the face of Barcelona.

Our journey through Gaudi's Barcelona begins at the Güell Palace, by far the most budget-friendly of his projects. Located near La...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles
Barcelona Shopping Walk

Barcelona Shopping Walk

A long-time prime cultural destination, Barcelona is also en route to becoming one of Europe's top shopping spots. Each new day, fashionable designer stores, from well-known international brands to local start-ups, are filling the city streets. If you're a fan of shopping, you're in for a treat when visiting this beautiful city. Here are some of the most popular shopping locations...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Barcelona Food Tasting Walking Tour

Barcelona Food Tasting Walking Tour

No one should visit Barcelona without making an attempt to get acquainted with some of Spain’s best food – Catalan food. An abundance of fresh fish and superb meat, a plethora of great vegetables, plus local inventiveness, have produced a very diverse, distinctive and delicious cuisine, including the famous (and trendy) tapas dishes.

Follow this self-guided walk to treat your taste buds in...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
La Ribera Walking Tour

La Ribera Walking Tour

La Ribera is a culturally rich, historic area of Barcelona’s Old Town; somewhat less touristy than the Gothic Quarter (which one should really visit as well) and quite unspoiled, authentic and pretty. Centuries ago, it was a very well-to-do neighborhood inhabited by aristocrats, merchants, wealthy sailors, and Jewish money-lenders. Today, it is regarded as the Soho of Barcelona – a popular...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles

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