Christopher Columbus is considered one of the greatest people in the world in the entire history of its existence.In the name of the great explorer named countries, cities, squares and museums.In what city is a monument to Christopher Columbus?
largest monument dedicated to the great traveler
In many Spanish cities there are monuments of Columbus - the pride of the Spanish people.It is believed that Christopher Columbus monument in Barcelona is the biggest and famous.All the tourists upon arrival to Barcelona willing to visit the memorial.What is dictated by the decision to erect a monument to the mariner in this city?
Naturally, no one raises the question of why the monument to Columbus in Spain.After all, everyone knows the answer: despite the fact that the navigator ethnic Jew, he, nevertheless, was a subject of the Spanish kingdom.Naturally, after that Columbus did for his state, he became a national hero.On this occasion, the entire country in his honor were named streets and squares, museums and schools.But as for the choice of Barcelona as the location for the Exaltation of the giant monument, due to the fact that it was Columbus arrived here from the American continent in order to report back to their Majesties Ferdinand and Isabella of his discovery.
Location monument
We already know which city is a monument to Christopher Columbus, it remains to find out exactly where it is located.There on the waterfront area of the picturesque capital of Catalonia Portal de la Pau.With this Spanish name means "Gate of Peace".Perhaps because of this monument to Christopher Columbus it was installed in a given area.Cultural studies argue that in the distant 15th century explorer descended on the Spanish coast exactly in the place where today stands the majestic monument.
Description
This monument - the largest of all the existing monuments of the great navigator.It is an ensemble that consists of pedestal, column sorokametrovoy series of sculptures and pieces of the Christopher Columbus.The base of the monument - a concrete circle with a radius of ten and a half meters and four staircases at the sides of which are sitting stone lions.If you go on one of these stairs, you can see the 8-carbon plinth with reliefs made of bronze.They depict scenes describing the events of the first travel H. Columbus to the American continent.At the foot of the pedestal you can see the sculptures of the four companions of the great navigator.
There are other four statues symbolizing the Spanish state at the time.In addition, the support contain images of people who one way or another were involved in the implementation of the plan of the great navigator.Among them you can see the royal couple, abbot Hoon Perez de Marchena, who contributed to the meeting with Columbus royal personages.Next to the podium like a fly winged goddess of Victory, which are located under the guard of griffins.
Sculpture Columbus
seven-meter statue stands on a 41-meter tower constructed in Corinthian style.The sculpture is made of bronze.One hand points to the Columbus Sea, and in the other he holds a scroll.
If you recall, in which the city is a monument to Christopher Columbus, and provide the location of the hometown explorer (Genoa), it becomes clear why his hand, pointing to the sea, does not refer to the West, towards the New World, and to the east,towards Italy.
Under the cap of the monument at an altitude of 60 meters there is a viewing platform.There can be reached by elevator.There are wonderful views of the sea and the entire city.The idea of such a monument belongs to the artist Gayetu Buigas-and-Monraba, but the bronze statue of the famous genius has made the whole country a sculptor Rafael Atche.Author reliefs - Alexander Wohlgemuth - also a famous Spanish sculptor.
When the statue was erected
Now we know what city is a monument to Christopher Columbus and why, but let us know when it happened.Back in the mid-19th century, the elders of the Barcelona project was proposed to establish a monument to the great Columbus.However, in order to make this idea a reality, it took 30 years.
in Barcelona brought together craftsmen from all over the country.Start construction works was given in 1882.Over the entire six years of several dozen builders, sculptors and architects worked on the Exaltation of the statue.In June 1888 during the opening of the World Exhibition in Barcelona monument was brought before the residents and visitors in all its grandeur.
Conclusion
Columbus monument were erected both in the Old and the New World.In Spain alone, there are about a dozen, but none of them compares to the majestic monument, set in the most beautiful city in Europe - Barcelona.