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From the top of the Columbus monument, you can really see the sea
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The Columbus Monument
At the end of La Rambla (Metro: Drassanes, L3) near the seafront, you will find the Christopher Columbus Monument. It was built in 1888 for the Universal Exhibition and serves as a reminder of the importance of this city in his discovery of America; the explorer returned to Barcelona after his voyage to the New World. There are also some who claim that he was Catalan3 of 12
View of the base
The work combines stone, iron and bronze, and consists of a column that rises from a base sculpted with the figures of prominent people related to the discovery. At the top, Columbus points towards the sea.4 of 12
Entrance to the viewing gallery
The viewing gallery is open all week, September to March from 10am to 6.30pm, April to May from 10am to 7.30pm and during the summer months (June to August), 9am to 8.30pm.Admission for adults is €2.50, for children (4 to 12) it's €1.50 and free for children under 45 of 12
Waiting for the lift
Inside the column, which measures 2.25 metres in diameter, there is a tiny lift that goes up to the viewing area6 of 12
View of the top
At the top you can get a wonderful, 365 degree view of the city; this is the Passeig de Colon7 of 12
Towards the sea
From the viewing platform, you can see the seafront and in the distance, the twin towers that mark the entrance to the Olympic Harbour8 of 12
Looking down
The viewing gallery is about 60 metres above the ground9 of 12
View of the new seafront
Here you are able to see the sea, and the modern Barcelona seafront: Maremagnum shopping and leisure centre, the IMAX cinema and city Aquàrium10 of 12
Looking towards Montjuïc
Here you can see the mountain of Montjuïc with the castle on the top. Montjuïc is home to museums, gardens, theatres and it's where the Palau Sant Jordi and the Olympic Stadium are located11 of 12
Las Ramblas
From up on the viewing gallery you get a great view of Las Ramblas but without the crowds12 of 12
View of the old city
From up here you can see the Born area with the bell towers of the Gothic cathedral and the churches of Santa Maria del Mar and La Mercè, the patron saint of the city. And in the distance, you are able to see the spires of the Sagrada FamiliaIf you're visiting Barcelona, the 'Mirador' of Columbus (ie. Christopher Columbus, who some say is Catalan and is perched at the top of a column at the bottom of the Rambla, forever pointing out to sea) is a great way to get an overview of the city without leaving the city centre. See our slideshow for images and practical information