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At the foot of La Rambla, near Barcelona’s bustling port, rises the Mirador de Colom, a 60-meter monument honoring Christopher Columbus. Built for the 1888 Universal Exposition, it commemorates his return to the city after his first voyage to the Americas and stands as a symbol of Barcelona’s maritime heritage.
Origins
Designed by Catalan architect Gaietà Buïgas i Monravà, the monument reflects Barcelona’s aspirations during a period of industrial and cultural growth. The structure features a tall Corinthian column of cast iron, topped by a 7.2-meter bronze statue of Columbus. Though popularly said to point toward the Americas, the statue actually gestures eastward over the sea—possibly toward Columbus’s birthplace, Genoa.
At the base, elaborate sculptures depict scenes from his voyages, including figures like Jaume Ferrer and Bernat de Boïl, as well as allegorical representations of Spain’s regions and continents. The decoration emphasizes the explorer’s global impact and Spain’s imperial ambitions during the Age of Discovery.
The Viewing Platform
Inside the column, visitors can take an elevator—the first ever installed in Barcelona—to a viewing gallery just below the statue. Though the platform is small, it offers 360-degree panoramic views of the city. From here, you can see the Gothic Quarter, Montjuïc Hill, the coastline, and even La Sagrada Família on clear days. The short ride up rewards you with a unique perspective over both historic and modern Barcelona.
Visiting the Monument
The Mirador de Colom is open daily (typically from 08:30 to 20:30), with minor seasonal variations. Tickets cost around €8 for adults and €6 for children, with free entry for those under 4. At the base, there’s a tourist information center, a Catalan wine bar in the cellar, and a gift shop offering local souvenirs. Easily accessible by metro (Drassanes, L3), bus, or on foot, the monument is well paired with nearby attractions like the Maritime Museum.