In which city is the Columbus monument erected? Of course, in Barcelona!

It's paradoxical, but true! When asked about the city in which the Columbus monument is erected, the Spaniards will answer: yes, almost everyone. Because in the port communities of this country, this is probably a tradition. However, Barcelona for some reason consider their monument to Columbus special and very proud of them.

A bit of history

This great, without exaggeration, navigator is primarily known for discovering the New World to Europeans, although he himself thought he had found a way to India. In Italian, his name is written by Colombo, by origin he is a Spaniard, born in the Genoa Republic in 1451. For many years Christopher spent traveling and swimming. I was able to organize and conduct four expeditions to the shores of America. He first cross-documented the Atlantic, discovered many islands off the coast of America. However, the discoverer of Columbus can only be called conditionally, since there were Vikings on the territory of this continent.

Why in this city?

The Columbus monument in Barcelona appeared on a small square near the port not by accident. A great traveler and a pioneer sailed here to inform Spanish monarchs - Isabella and Ferdinand - of a joyful event: the way to India was found! It was in 1492, and four hundred years later a monument appeared here. Therefore, the question about the city in which the Columbus monument is erected can be answered with confidence: in Barcelona.

Total information

The monument is located on the square of the Gate of the World. It was here that the seafarer descended to the shore. The monument was built for seven years, the opening was timed to the first of June 1888 (the opening of the World Exhibition). This work of art is quite large. Many artists and sculptors took part in its construction. Metal bas-reliefs - Alexander Volgemut. The general concept is Gajeta Burgas. The sculpture itself was sculptured by Raphael Father. And these are only the most famous!

Description

The masterpiece of monumentalism is sixty meters high. It offers a magnificent view of the city's surroundings. Inside the column there is an elevator. He takes you up to the observation deck. The decor of the monument tells about the travels of the sailor. The foot is made in the form of a twenty-meter circle. Four ladders are decorated with lions on each side. The pedestal is an octagon, decorated with winged figures of the goddesses of Victory and Glory. And under them - images of griffins, which 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 also stone statues representing four regions in Spain: Castile, Leon, Catalonia, Aragon. They are executed allegorically. You can also see four statues of the Catalans, known at that time, who wanted to help the discoverer in his travels. Among them - a farmer, Farmer de Blanes, as if giving Columbus instructions.

The monument itself

The bronze statue of the great traveler crowns the monument. Its height is 7,2 meters. The word "Earth" is knocked out on the socle (in Spanish - Tierra). The statue of Columbus points to the east with his right hand (the sculptors apparently forgot, or perhaps did not know that this great man was left-handed), in his left hand lies a navigation map. By the way, initially it was planned that the right hand point to the west, in the direction of the New World. But the project was later changed. It is believed that the famous sailor, perhaps, "hints" at India. And, perhaps, points in the direction of his small homeland, the Republic of Genoa. Who knows, now this is quite difficult to understand. By the way, the length of the index finger is almost a meter! In which city is the Columbus monument erected, the most that is majestic? Of course, in Barcelona!

Observation deck

At the very height is an observation deck. There usually climb the elevator, located inside the monument. Let it may seem a little cramped, but it opens a truly stunning view! This is used by the mighty tourists. Not far from the monument is a shopping center called "Maremagnum", as well as a huge (one of the largest European) aquarium. And next to it is an old ship, which stands on the dock, - "Santa Eulalia". There also tourists are allowed (for a certain bribe, of course).

So, if you are traveling in Spain, you will know in which city the Columbus monument is erected, and be sure to visit it. Climb to the observation deck and enjoy a beautiful view of the sea and the city. And to conclude a hike can be a walk along La Rambla - the most lively city boulevard, which keeps many more mysteries of history.

Columbus Monument in Santo Domingo

And here (the Dominican Republic) has its own monument, depicting a great traveler. He is on the main square of the city, although not as huge as his Spanish counterpart. And nearby is the Columbus Lighthouse, first built in 1496! Now, renewed, he gives shelter to the ashes of the seafarer.