Monument to Columbus (Madrid) facts for kids
| Monumento a Colón | |
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| Coordinates | 40°25′31″N 3°41′26″W / 40.425207°N 3.690465°W |
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| Location | Plaza de Colón, Madrid, Spain |
| Designer | Basement: Arturo Mélida Statue: Jerónimo Suñol |
| Height | Basement: 17 m Statue: 3.30 m |
| Dedicated to | Christopher Columbus |
The Monument to Columbus (in Spanish: Monumento a Colón) is a famous statue and structure in Madrid, Spain. It stands in a square called Plaza de Colón, which is named after Christopher Columbus. This monument has two main parts: the large base, designed by Arturo Mélida, and the statue of Columbus on top, created by Jerónimo Suñol.
Contents
History of the Columbus Monument
The First Idea for the Monument
The idea to build a national monument for Christopher Columbus started a long time ago. In 1864, Queen Isabella II first suggested it. However, a big change in the Spanish government, known as the Glorious Revolution in 1868, stopped the project.
Starting the Project Again
Later, the idea for the monument came back. It was planned to celebrate the upcoming wedding of King Alfonso XII and María de las Mercedes. In 1877, a public competition was held to choose the best design. Arturo Mélida won this contest.
Building the Base
The monument's base is very tall, standing at 17 meters (about 56 feet). It was built between 1881 and 1885. The original plan for the base was changed before construction began. The monument was supposed to be officially opened on January 4, 1886. However, King Alfonso XII passed away, so the opening event was canceled.
The Statue of Columbus
The statue of Columbus itself is 3.30 meters (about 11 feet) tall. It was carved from Carrara marble by Jerónimo Suñol. The statue shows Columbus holding a flag of Castile. It was given to the City of Madrid in 1892.
Moving and Returning the Monument
In 1976, the monument was carefully taken apart. A year later, in 1977, it was moved to a nearby area called the Jardines del Descubrimiento (Gardens of Discovery). Then, in 2009, the monument was moved back to its original spot. This happened as part of a project to make the area around the Prado and Recoletos streets look new and better.
See also
In Spanish: Monumento a Colón (Madrid) para niños
- List of monuments and memorials to Christopher Columbus
