Monument a Colom (Columbus Monument)

Monument a Colom (Columbus Monument) Review

This Barcelona landmark to Christopher Columbus sits grandly at the foot of the Rambla along the wide harbor-front promenade of the Passeig de Colom, not far from the very shipyards (Drassanes Reials) that constructed two of the ships of his tiny but immortal fleet. Standing atop the 150-foot-high iron column—the base of which is aswirl with gesticulating angels—Columbus seems to be looking out at "that far-distant shore," which he was able to discover thanks to the patronage of Ferdinand and Isabella. In truth, he is pointing—with his 18-inch-long finger—in the general direction of Sicily. The monument was erected for the 1888 Universal Exposition to commemorate the "Discoverer's" commissioning, in Barcelona, by the monarchs in 1491. Since the royal court was at that time (and, until 1561, remained) itinerant, Barcelona's role in the discovery of the New World is, at best, circumstantial. In fact, Barcelona was consequently excluded from trade with the Americas by Isabella, so Catalonia and Columbus have never really seen eye to eye. For a bird's-eye view over the Rambla and the port, take the elevator to the small viewing area at the top of the column. (The entrance is on the harbor side.)