Monuments to visit Catalonia

The train station that provided the first link between Barcelona and Mataró was replaced in 1929 by a new station called Gare de France. Restored in 1992, and despite a very small traffic, this Art Deco station has kept a great deal of charm with its metal structure and glass glass high over 30 m.

In front of the port chosen by Christopher Columbus to disembark on his return from the Americas, stands the monument in his honor, erected by Gaietà Buïgas. Eight bronze lions stand guard at the foot of the Corinthian-style column. It is 51 meters high and was inaugurated on the occasion of the 1888 Universal Exhibition. Take time to observe the bas-reliefs: they illustrate the key moments of the explorer's life. The figures of the Catholic Monarchs and other key figures in the discovery of the New World envelop the pedestal. Carved in the lower part of the column, you will notice the arms of Catalonia, which frame caravels. At the top of the monument, the figure of Columbus, a seven-meter high sculpture by Rafael Atché, emerges from the crown of the County of Barcelona. The navigator holds a map in his left hand and points to the sea with the other. Against all odds, while one would be tempted to think that he is pointing to America, it is Italy, his native land, and more particularly Genoa, that is shown. An elevator allows access to the viewpoint. Don't worry: the ascent, which took four minutes with the old hydraulic system, only takes a few seconds! Once up there, you'll enjoy a breathtaking view of the entire city, with the silhouettes of the Sagrada Familia, the Agbar Tower and the Montjuïc Castle to the south. If possible, avoid rush hour: it is not always easy to get close to the windows!

Under the Born market, archaeologists discovered the remains of 1714 of the city's old wholesale market. Excavations can see how construction of the th century was structured. Space should be transformed into a cultural centre.

La Monumental bullring is the only bullring in the city of Barcelona, located at the crossroads of Gran Via des Corts Catalanes and Carrer Marina. They are listed as a "property of local cultural interest". Inaugurated in 1914, they were remodeled in 1916 to accommodate up to 24,000 spectators. Neo-Mudejar and neo-Byzantine in style, they are decorated with blue and white mosaics. With a current capacity of 19,500, the arena hosts a variety of musical and circus events. A metro station, named Monumental, serves the arena from carrer Marina. In 2014, a project to transform the arena into a forty-thousand-seat mosque was proposed by Qatar, but has since been abandoned.

This house, founded in 1820, then underwent several renovations. The facade as inside has preserved the charm of the past century. The shop's storefront testifies to cabinetmaking and impressive metals.

Raise your eyes. It is above the banking agency on the ground floor that you will discover the magnificent decorations of the facade, otherwise adorned with spectacular medallions.