Guide to Barcelona

Columbus statue

Friday, 03 July 2009 14:22

In and Around Barcelona

The Columbus Monument (Monumento a Colón) is one of the most famous statues in the city of Barcelona, for its significance and for its size, measuring 60m in height. Built as a homage to the discoverer of America, Cristopher Colombus, it is erected in the Plaza del Portal de la Pau, (portal of peace), the intersecting point between the Ramblas and paseo de Colón, the walkway along the port.

The monument was contructed as a result of the improvement works of the area in 1888. Inaugurated on the 1st of June 1888, it immediately became one of the most characteristic icons of the city. Inside the statue there is a lift which enable you to go up to the top of the column, by Columbus` feet, with magnificent views of the city.

The statue represents Columbus with his right hand extended, his index finger pointing out to sea. Initially it was assumed it was pointing to America, even though it is in the opposite direction.

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Since then, 3 theories have evolved. Firstly, the statue should be taken as a metaphor. The second is that the statue does not point at America as such, rather at the route to America via the sea. The third theory is that it doesn´t point to America at all, but towards Geneva, Columbus' presumed birthplace, which is directly in line with the finger.

As always, we offer you a selection of Barcelona Apartments en this marvellous and central area.