Why is there a monument to Columbus in Barcelona?
Columbus was born in the mid-15th century and many presume him to be from Genoa, Italy. However, some historians even go as far as to offer proof that he was in fact born in Catalonia. That's perhaps one of the reasons a statue dedicated to the man is placed here in Barcelona.
Apartamentos en el barrio Gótico
Si vienes a visitar la capital catalana, te recomendamos que te alojes en un apartamento en el barrio Gótico. De esta manera, conocerás uno de los barrios históricos de Barcelona y estarás cerca de todo. Además, puedes ahorrar dinero ya que los hoteles son más caros y le ofrecen menos espacio y comodidad.
During the 15th century, Europe conducted trade with Asia and with India in particular. Troubling times in the middle east made the usual eastern routes dangerous. Columbus had the idea to travel to the Indies by sailing west across the Atlantic Ocean instead. When Columbus reached land, he first thought that he was indeed in India, which is why he called the native population "Indios" or Indians.
Despite his success from an commercial and explorational standpoint, many historians today argue columbus was also responsible for a lot of suffering for the Native Americans through slavery and brutal pillaging of valuables from the day he arrived. Reducing populations like the Taino from 250,000 to a couple of hundred.
Excursiones por Barcelona
Para que disfrutes al máximo de Barcelona y llenes tu viaje de experiencia y emociones inolvidables, te ofrecemos las excursiones por la capital catalana que organiza el equipo de GetYourGuide. Gracias a los guías locales descubrirás la vida pura de la ciudad y conocerás de diferentes facetas la forma de vivir de los barceloneses y la alma de Barcelona! Elige tu excursión y enamora de Barcelona para siempre:
The monument was created in time for the 1888 for the Universal Exhibition, most likely to highlight an achievement of Spain in funding his expeditions - a different time - and perhaps it would not have been built today... Though perhaps it would, as however you see it, Columbus changed the face of history and the world as we knew it.
A statue in his image
As you walk down las Ramblas towards the sea, you will end up at the feet of a 60 metre tall statue called the Columbus monument. It is as it says - a monument built in the image of Columbus during his first trip to America.
At the top of the monument is a large statue of Columbus. People say that he is pointing to America, but that of course is not true. He is actually pointing south-east. If you extend his arm with a straight line you will end up in the city of Constantine in Algeria. The true point however - yes, pun intended - is that he is signaling in the direction of the sea.
The idea to build the Columbus monument came from Antoni Fages i Ferrer in 1856. He proposed also that it should be constructed by Catalans only. It took him 16 years to convince the city's mayor and finally in 1872 he won the mayor's support. In 1881 a resolution was passed to build the monument. In a contest Spanish artists could submit their designs, but it was the Catalan artist Gaietà Buigas i Monravà who won. In 1882 the construction began and the monument was completed in 1888, just in time for the Universal Exposition of Barcelona.
Many people still don't know that it is possible to take a small elevator to an observation platform at the top. From there you have a fantastic view over the harbor, the Gothic area and Montjuïc.
