The Columbus Monument marks the seaward end of La Rambla with a tall column built for Barcelona’s 1888 Universal Exhibition. Its bronze figure points toward the coast, while its location links the city’s main boulevard to the port and a broader history of exploration and empire.
Guide preview
At the end of La Rambla, the column gives the boulevard a dramatic meeting with the port. Barcelona built the Columbus Monument for the 1888 Universal Exhibition, and architect Gaietà Buïgas designed it as a tribute to Christopher Columbus.
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Quick facts
- The monument was built for the 1888 Universal Exhibition.
- Architect Gaietà Buïgas designed it.
- The column is 51 meters high and originally contained a hydraulic lift.
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