The Christopher Columbus Monument was built in honour of the renowned explorer and discoverer of America. It is located at the centre of the Plaça de la Porta de Pau (Square of the Gate of Peace). The tall 60 meter column is topped with a statue of Columbus and was designed by Gaietà Buigas i Monravà for the 1888 Universal Exhibition.

The monument is situated at the site where Columbus arrived in 1493 after his discovery of America the year before. The statue is of Columbus pointing towards the sea, which is thought strange as he is not pointing in the direction of the new world he discovered.

Around the base of the column is a series of carvings depicting important stages in Columbus's life and voyages of discovery

Visitors can take a lift or stairs within the column, which brings you to a platform where you have excellent views over Las Ramblas and also Port Vell. On each window of the platform there is a sign indicating the main attraction you will see looking in that direction.