The Columbus Monument is called Monument a Colom in Catalonian. It is located near the crossroads of Passeig de Colom and Rambla de Santa Mònica. It is on the waterfront at Plaça del Porta de la Pau. You can reach it by taking metro line 3 to the Drassanses. The exterior of the monument is always open and free of charge. If you wish to go inside the tower it is open year round from 9am to 8:30pm. Entrance fee is 2€ (or approximately $3).
The Columbus Monument was completed in 1888. It was one of
Barcelona's showpieces at her International Exhibition held that same year. The monument commemorates Columbus's discovery of the Americas at the place where he was greeted by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella upon the return of his first voyage back to
Spain.
When you visit the monument, it is possible to take a lift up to the top of the 47 meter structure. However, renovations have been taking place in the interior for some years and the lift may or may not be open to the public when you visit. If you do make it to the top, you can see a panoramic view of Barcelona and the Mediterranean Sea.
The exterior of the Columbus Monument is a tall iron column topped with a statue of Columbus pointing westward. At the base of the column are statues, reliefs, and plaques chronicling Columbus's voyage and honoring Spaniards who contributed to the age of exploration. The base of the Columbus monument is guarded by eight bronze lions.
