Monument to Columbus in Madrid (Spain)

Description

Location: Madrid, Spain
Taken on: September 11, 2023
Format: JPEG
File size: 5.4 MB
Dimensions: 4096 x 3072 pixels
DPI: 300
Photographer: Andrey Kashukov, Cyprus

Photo can be used in posters, brochures, magazines, websites, blogs, business cards, applications, social media branding, packaging, postcards, notebooks, invitation backgrounds, flyers, banners, badges, stickers, collages, booklets, illustrations, etc.

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Madrid’s Monument to Columbus

Capture the grandeur of Madrid with this stunning digital photograph of the Monument to Christopher Columbus (Monumento de Cristóbal Colón). Taken on a clear day, September 11, 2023, the image showcases the iconic monument standing tall against a brilliant blue sky, dotted with soft white clouds.

The photograph perfectly frames the impressive neo-Gothic statue of Columbus atop its ornate column, a significant landmark in the heart of the Spanish capital. The surrounding Plaza de Colón is also visible, with its wide avenues, mature trees, and the distinctive architecture of nearby buildings adding to the vibrant urban landscape. Two prominent streetlights flank the foreground, guiding the eye towards the monument, while a few vehicles and pedestrians hint at the bustling city life.

This high-quality digital download is perfect for adding a touch of Spanish elegance to your digital projects, presentations, or simply as a beautiful backdrop for your devices. Whether you’re a travel enthusiast, a lover of European history, or seeking a captivating image of Madrid, this photograph delivers.

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The Monument to Christopher Columbus (Monumento a Cristóbal Colón) in Madrid, Spain, is a prominent landmark located in the bustling Plaza de Colón. It’s a significant tribute to the explorer Christopher Columbus and a symbol of Spain’s historical connection to the Age of Exploration.

Location:

• Situated in the Plaza de Colón (Columbus Square), a major intersection where the Chamberí, Centro, and Salamanca districts meet.
• It serves as a roundabout in the middle of roads connecting Paseo de Recoletos and Paseo de la Castellana.

Design and Architecture:

• Overall Height: The monument stands at an impressive 17 meters tall.
• Statue: The figure of Columbus itself is 3 meters (or 3.30 meters) high, sculpted from white Carrara marble by Jerónimo Suñol. Columbus is typically depicted wearing a tunic and cape, holding the flag of Castile, which rests on a globe, while his other hand is outstretched.
• Pedestal/Base: The elaborate Gothic-revival style pedestal, designed by Arturo Mélida, is 17 meters high. It features intricate reliefs on all four sides, depicting scenes related to the discovery of America, providing a visual narrative of Columbus’s voyages.
• Integration: The monument is known for its perfect integration with the surrounding Plaza de Colón, which includes beautiful garden areas known as the Jardines del Descubrimiento (Gardens of Discovery).

History:

• Conception: The idea for a national monument to Columbus was first promoted by Queen Isabella II in 1864, though the project was aborted due to the Glorious Revolution of 1868.
• Construction: The idea was revived and the monument was erected between 1881 and 1885. It was initially intended to celebrate the marriage of King Alfonso XII and María de las Mercedes de Orleans.
• Inauguration: While completed in 1885, its official inauguration was delayed until October 12, 1892, to coincide with the 400th anniversary of Columbus’s voyage to America.
• Relocation: In 1976, the monument was dismantled and moved a year later to a nearby location within the Jardines del Descubrimiento as part of urban redevelopment.
• Return to Original Spot: In 2009, during the renovation of the Prado-Recoletos axis, the Monument to Columbus was returned to its original central location in Plaza de Colón.

Surrounding Area:

• The Plaza de Colón is a vibrant public space often used for cultural events and gatherings.
• It’s also home to the world’s largest Spanish flag, which flies from a 50-meter-high flagpole.
• Nearby attractions include the Jardines del Descubrimiento (which also features a separate monument to the discovery of America composed of large concrete structures), the National Library, and the National Archaeological Museum.
• The distinctive Torres de Colón (Columbus Towers), an office building with twin towers, are also a notable feature of the plaza’s skyline.

The Monument to Columbus in Madrid is not just a statue; it’s a grand artistic and historical landmark that embodies a significant period in Spanish history and continues to be a focal point in one of Madrid’s most important squares.