Christopher Columbus Monument Barcelona is a tall column at the bottom of La Rambla. This historic monument can provide a birds eye view of the city of Barcelona.
The Christopher Columbus Monument Barcelona, also known as Mirador de Colum, a 60-meter tall column designed by Gaietà Buïgas i Monravà. The monument was constructed for the Barcelona International Exhibition in 1888 in honor to Christopher Columbus. The monument stands at the bottom of La Rambla, and honors Christopher Columbus in discovering the Americas. The original idea to construct a monument came in 1856 and in 1881 a resolution to build the monument passed. The monument construction started in 1882 and completed in 1888.
The monument features a 7.2 meter bronze statue at the top, and the monument’s designs features a 40-meter Corinthian column. The statue conceived and sculpted, by Rafael Atché. The monument stands on an octagonal pedestal or plinth. The pedestal features four bronze winged creatures that take flight to the four corners of the world. Furthermore, visible on the pedestal are two griffins and portrait medallions of people related to Christopher Columbus. The unique features on the pedestal are of great detail, as was typical for monuments constructed at the time. The monument depicts Columbus pointing to the New World, but in effect points to Algeria.
You can actually get to the top of this 60 meter monument by lift. Once at the top you can enjoy some exclusive views over Barcelona city and port. Tickets are very reasonable for this attraction. A visit to the Columbus Monument should be done within the same time as a visit to La Rambla and Gothic Quarter. Both of which are a few minutes work from this historic monument. Also, Port Vell marina is just 2 minutes walk from this monument.
Is It Worth Visiting The Christopher Columbus Monument Barcelona?
The Christopher Columbus Monument Barcelona may not be the most important attraction to visit in Barcelona, but is it worth visiting? The pros to visiting these monuments are the following. It’s centrally located, cheap to access, good views at the top, quick to visit and great for kids. The cons for visiting are that it might take up precious time that you may need to visit more iconic attractions, especially if you are visiting Barcelona for a night or two. Furthermore, due to the height of the monument, it might not be suitable for people with a fear of heights.
Overall, we recommend a visit to the Christopher Columbus Monument Barcelona. It’s a fun attraction to visit, and you will find great views at the top for some panoramic photos. The fact that it is at the bottom of La Rambla means if you do have a spare half hour it could be visited on route to Port Vell Marina or the Gothic Quarter.
How to get to the Christopher Columbus Monument
You will find the Christopher Columbus monument at the bottom of La Rambla next to the metro station Drassanes. The monument is also one of the first things you will see when walking from the cruise ship terminal. The nearest metro station you will find next to the Christopher Columbus monument is served by metro line 3. All buses that pass near the bottom of La Rambla will get you to the monument.
Opening times in 2023 to visit the Columbus monument are currently 08:30 until 14:30. Entry price for 2023 is 8 euros. A view of the exterior of the monument is free from La Rambla. There is access for people with reduced mobility. The Christopher Columbus Monument can be easliy visited within a 5 to 10 minute walk from the Gothic Quarter or Plaça Catalyuna.
