This is paradoxical, but true! When asked about the city in which the monument to Columbus was erected, the Spaniards will answer: yes, almost in every one. Because in the port settlements of this country this is probably a tradition. However, the Barcelonaers somehow consider their monument to Columbus special and very proud of it.
A bit of history
This great, without exaggeration, navigator is primarily known for opening the New World to Europeans, although he himself thought that he had found a way to India. In Italian, his last name is spelled Colombo, he is Spaniard by birth, was born in the Republic of Genoa in 1451. Christopher spent many years traveling and swimming. He was able to organize and conduct four expeditions to the shores of America. He was the first documented to cross the Atlantic, discovered many islands off the coast of America. However, the discoverer of Columbus can only be called conditionally, since the Vikings were on the territory of this continent.
Why in this city?
The Columbus Monument in Barcelona appeared on a small square near the port is far from accidental. A great traveler and discoverer sailed here to notify the Spanish monarchs - Isabella and Ferdinand - of a joyful event: the path to India has been found! It was in 1492, and four hundred years later a monument appeared here. Therefore, the question of in which city the monument to Columbus is installed can be answered with confidence: in Barcelona.
general information
The monument is located on the square of the Gate of the World. It was here that the navigator came ashore. The construction of the monument took seven years, the opening was timed to the first of June 1888 (the opening of the World Exhibition). This work of art is quite ambitious. Many artists and sculptors took part in its construction. Metal bas-reliefs - Alexander Volgemut. The general concept is Gayeta Burgas. The sculpture itself was sculpted by Raphael Father. And these are only the most famous!
Description
The masterpiece of monumentalism has a height of sixty meters. It offers a magnificent view of the surroundings of the city. There is an elevator inside the column. He raises you to the observation deck. The decor of the monument tells about the voyage of the sailor. The foot is made in the form of a twenty-meter circle. Four stairs are decorated with lions on each side. The pedestal is an octagon, decorated with winged figures of the goddesses of Victory and Glory. And below them are images of griffins that symbolize the noses of caravels.
On the pedestal you can see eight medallions depicting portraits of people who influenced the life of Columbus. There are stone statues representing four areas in Spain: Castile, Leon, Catalonia, Aragon. They are performed allegorically. You can still see four statues of the then famous people of Catalonia who wanted to help the discoverer in his travels. Among them is the cartographer Farmer de Blanes, as if giving instructions to Columbus.
Monument itself
The monument is crowned with a bronze statue of the great traveler. Its height is 7.2 meters. The word "Earth" is stamped on the base (in Spanish - Tierra). The sculpture of Columbus points to the east with his right hand (the sculptors apparently forgot, and perhaps did not know that this great man was left-handed), in his left hand lies a navigation map. By the way, it was originally planned so that the right hand would point to the west, in the direction of the New World. But the project was subsequently changed. It is believed that the famous sailor, perhaps, "alludes" to India. And, perhaps, he points towards his small homeland, the Genoese Republic. Who knows, now it's pretty hard to figure it out. By the way, the length of the index finger is almost a meter! In what city is the monument to Columbus erected, the most magnificent of all? Of course, in Barcelona!
Viewpoint
At the very top is an observation deck. They usually go there by elevator located inside the monument. Although it may seem a bit cramped, it offers a truly amazing view! This is what tourists use with might and main. Not far from the monument is a shopping center called "Maremagnum", as well as a huge (one of the largest European) aquarium. And nearby is an old ship, which stands on the pier, - "Santa Eulalia." Tourists are also allowed there (for a certain bribe, of course).
So, if you are traveling in Spain, you will know in which city the monument to Columbus is installed, and be sure to visit it. Climb to the observation deck and enjoy the beautiful views of the sea and the city. And you can make a camping trip with a walk along La Rambla - the busiest city boulevard, which keeps a great many secrets of history.
Monument to Columbus in Santo Domingo
And here (Dominican Republic) there is a monument depicting a great traveler. It is located on the main square of the city, although not as huge as its Spanish counterpart. And nearby is the Columbus Lighthouse, first built in 1496! Now, renewed, it gives shelter to the ashes of the mariner.