Monument a Colon - Columbus Monument, Barcelona

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The Monument a Colom (Columbus Monument) sits in the middle of a traffic-roundabout at the end of La Rambla, overlooking the harbour. This 60 metre high tower has a statue of Columbus sitting on its top.

Barcelona was the place Columbus returned to after his voyage of discovery to the Americas, and he is therefore thought of as one of the important 'sons' of the city.

The column was constructed in 1888, for the Universal Exhibition. There is a (very small) lift inside that you can catch to the top for some excellent views of the surrounding area. You can get a particularly good view along tree-lined La Rambla, which makes a great photo (you should be able to open one of the small windows to allow a better shot).

Opening Hours: 9am-8.30pm May-Oct and 10am-6.30pm Nov-Apr

Admission was 2.30 euro (Jan 2007)

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The Christopher Columbus Monument was built in 1888, on the site where he arrived after discovering America in1493.

From a distance, I found it huge [it is 197ft high] and impressive!

There were traffic lights, so I crossed the street to have a closer look at this impressive monument. You should do this too, as close up, it is even more interesting.
There were medallion's, lion & other sculptures making this an interesting memorial.

If you wish to find out more, visit the website below. You can even go up an elevator inside of the colom to the top, I didn't do this.

This statue, conveniently located at the end of "Las Ramblas" allows you to climb (there's a lift) to the top of the pillar (up 60m, right beneath Columbus's feet) and will give you a good panoramic view over the city. On each window there is a sticker indicating the main attraction you will see looking in that direction.

It was built in 1888 for the Universal Exhibition and commemorates the discovery of America. It is apparently supposed to be pointing at the New World, but is actually pointing in the wrong direction.

I always like these "outlooks" to help complement the information you read on the maps.

It is quite a tight space, so if you are claustrophobic this might not be for you.

The entrance fee is 2.20 Eur (Jan 2005).

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This monument is one of the unmistakable city features. It was erected in 1886, for the 1888 Universal Exhibition, by Gaietà Buïgas commemorating the reception the Catholic Monarchs gave to Columbus in Barcelona once he arrived from America the first time. The statue is 7 metres tall and the whole monument has more than 51 metres high. There are sculptures depicting the Kings Elisabeth and Ferdinand, allegorical figures and lions at the column base. A small round lift goes from the base of the monument to the viewing gallery, which offers excellent views.

Este monumento es uno de los símbolos inconfundibles de la ciudad. Fue erigido en 1886, para la Exposición Universal de 1888, por Gaietà Buïgas conmemorando la recepción que los Reyes Católicos dieron a Colón en Barcelona cuando volvió de su primer viaje a América. La estatua tiene 7 metros de alto y todo el monumento tiene más de 51 metros de altura. Hay esculturas en la base representando a los Reyes Isabel y Fernando, figuras alegóricas y leones. Un pequeño ascensor redondo va desde la base del monumento al mirador, el cual ofrece unas excelentes vistas.

Visiting hours / Horario de visita

Mondays to Sundays / Lunes a domingos: 9:00 - 20:30

If you walk down to the end of the Ramblas (down by the Harbour), you will see the Monument to Christopher Columbus, which is a tall iron column built for the Universal Exhibition in 1888.

Whenever I see this, I can't help but think it is a collosal rip-off of Nelson's Column in London (which was built over 40 years earlier).

If you wonder why there is the word "Colon" around the top, this was not supposed to be an insult, but this is the name Columbus is known by in Spain.

It was possible to climb this tower several years ago, but I know it has been closed for renovation, and I am not sure if it has reopened yet.

At the end of the Ramblas, close to the waterfront you can find the statue of Columbus (Colón in Spanish). If you look at it you can see that the guy isn't pointing to the new world, but locals state that he is just pointing towards the sea.

The statue that was built in 1888 has also a lookout point at 60 metres elevation.

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In the southern end of La Rambla is the 60 metre high Monument of Columbus standing. It was built for the Universal Exhibition in 1888. On top of a pillar is a bronze statue of Christopher Columbus pointing to the sea. Columbus arrived to Barcelona in 1493 after his discovery of America and it was here that he told the Spanish king and queen about it.
There is a lift inside the pillar going up to a platform. My intention was to go up to see the view, but when I arrived I was told it was closed for renovation. Otherwise it is open between 9 - 20.30 (May - Oct) and between 10 - 18.30 (Nov - Apr).

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It is claimed that Columbus was Catalan and so the monument dedicated to his memory at Barcelona is erected at the spot where he is said to have landed on his return after discovering America. The place is called Plaça de la Porta de Pau and it is at the end of La Ramblas towards the port. The monument was build for the World Exposition of 1888.
On top of the 60 metre high tower, there is a statue of Columbus pointing towards the sea. On top of the monument from the viewing platform, one can see a great view of the city. A small lift can take you up there.

The Monument a Colom (Columbus Monument) makes for a challenging end to the long walk down La Rambla. Basically, because if you go up, it's a very steep climb up. However, when we were there, the statue was closed to visitors and there was no indication if this was indefinite. My guidebook says it actually has a lift inside, but I can't imagine it in something so narrow. It does make for a striking monument situated at the Plaça del Portal de la Pau which stands between La Rambla and the waterfront.

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This is the anchor of the harbor area, and can be seen for a long way off. It is the location where Columbus returned to Spain from his trip to America. It was constructed in 1888. The monument is 197 feet high, and his statue if 24 feet tall.