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Monument to Columbus
Monumento a Colón
Monumento a Colón (Madrid) 01.jpg
Coordinates 40°25′31″N 3°41′26″W / 40.425207°N 3.690465°W / 40.425207; -3.690465
Location Plaza de Colón, Madrid, Spain
Designer Basement: Arturo Mélida [es]
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.

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 [es] (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

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Monumento a Colón (Madrid) para niños

  • List of monuments and memorials to Christopher Columbus
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