Plaza de Colon (Columbus Square), Madrid
Columbus Square presents an intriguing paradox, as it is located near bustling intersections yet offers a serene environment for relaxation. This lovely square is certainly worth exploring, whether strolling through its Discovery Gardens or simply sitting on a bench, basking in the sun while observing children riding skateboards and mountain bikes.
Originally named after Saint James, the square was renamed in 1893 to honor Christopher Columbus, whose monument, featuring a 17-meter column crafted from white Italian marble, now stands in the center. At its pinnacle, the figure of the renowned explorer extends one arm outward, symbolizing the allure of distant lands awaiting exploration. The monument's Neo-Gothic base rests within a stone fountain adorned with a grand cascade, flanked by staircases leading to the Cultural Center of Madrid ("Centro Cultural de la Villa"). The sound of the cascading water is so powerful that holding a conversation in a normal voice becomes impossible.
Another notable monument in the square, created by Joaquin Vaquero-Turcios, is a massive concrete structure engraved with sayings from various philosophers and Spanish leaders. Depending on the viewing angle, it resembles either a fish tail or an anchor.
Why You Should Visit:
There is a mix of contrasting architecture all around, with both modern and old buildings to be found, making it a captivating subject for avid photographers seeking extraordinary shots.
Tip:
Don't miss the immense Spanish flag, the world's biggest (valued at 鈧�400,000) and one of the most eye-catching features of this square. Additionally, adjacent to the square on Goya Street, you'll find Platea Food Hall, a newly established gastronomic market boasting around 20 outlets serving a variety of tapas and other delectable delicacies.
Originally named after Saint James, the square was renamed in 1893 to honor Christopher Columbus, whose monument, featuring a 17-meter column crafted from white Italian marble, now stands in the center. At its pinnacle, the figure of the renowned explorer extends one arm outward, symbolizing the allure of distant lands awaiting exploration. The monument's Neo-Gothic base rests within a stone fountain adorned with a grand cascade, flanked by staircases leading to the Cultural Center of Madrid ("Centro Cultural de la Villa"). The sound of the cascading water is so powerful that holding a conversation in a normal voice becomes impossible.
Another notable monument in the square, created by Joaquin Vaquero-Turcios, is a massive concrete structure engraved with sayings from various philosophers and Spanish leaders. Depending on the viewing angle, it resembles either a fish tail or an anchor.
Why You Should Visit:
There is a mix of contrasting architecture all around, with both modern and old buildings to be found, making it a captivating subject for avid photographers seeking extraordinary shots.
Tip:
Don't miss the immense Spanish flag, the world's biggest (valued at 鈧�400,000) and one of the most eye-catching features of this square. Additionally, adjacent to the square on Goya Street, you'll find Platea Food Hall, a newly established gastronomic market boasting around 20 outlets serving a variety of tapas and other delectable delicacies.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Madrid. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Plaza de Colon (Columbus Square) on Map
Sight Name: Plaza de Colon (Columbus Square)
Sight Location: Madrid, Spain (See walking tours in Madrid)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Madrid, Spain (See walking tours in Madrid)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Madrid, Spain
Create Your Own Walk in Madrid
Creating your own self-guided walk in Madrid is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Madrid Food Tour
Spain is internationally reputed as a major gastronomic power and its capital city Madrid attests to this claim, being home to vibrant food markets and multiple establishments serving traditional Spanish food in a soul-warming atmosphere.
One of the iconic food destinations is Plaza Mayor, a bustling town square where you can savor traditional Spanish dishes. The square is home to numerous... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
One of the iconic food destinations is Plaza Mayor, a bustling town square where you can savor traditional Spanish dishes. The square is home to numerous... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
Miguel de Cervantes' Madrid Walking Tour
The name of the iconic Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes is closely associated with Madrid. The author is known for a number of works, but his 1605 novel Don Quixote de la Mancha is often held as the first modern novel.
Despite being regarded as one of the fathers of modern literature, very little is known about Cervantes' early life. Born in 1547, he had spent some of his young years in... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Despite being regarded as one of the fathers of modern literature, very little is known about Cervantes' early life. Born in 1547, he had spent some of his young years in... view more
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Golden Mile Walking Tour
Similarly to 5th Avenue in New York City, Champs Elysee in Paris, or Bond Street in London, the Golden Mile is one of the wealthiest and most expensive neighborhoods of the Spanish capital. Forming part of Madrid's Salamanca district, this posh area is known for its upscale shopping, cultural attractions, and gastronomic delights.
One of the prominent local landmarks is Columbus Square... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
One of the prominent local landmarks is Columbus Square... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Buen Retiro Park Walking Tour
Buen Retiro Park, which translates to "Park of the Pleasant Retreat", is one of the main attractions in Madrid. Similarly to Central Park of New York City or Hyde Park of London, this former royal retreat is the most popular public outdoor space in the Spanish capital.
A green oasis in the heart of the city, the park has long been a favorite spot for both locals and tourists to go for... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
A green oasis in the heart of the city, the park has long been a favorite spot for both locals and tourists to go for... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Souvenirs Shopping Tour
Shopping for souvenirs in Madrid is an exciting and delightful experience for anyone visiting the vibrant Spanish capital. Indeed, it would be a pity to leave Madrid without having explored its specialty shops and bringing home something truly original. With this in mind, we've compiled a list of must-visit locations where you can find souvenirs, which are unique to Madrid and make for... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Madrid Introduction Walking Tour
A city of elegant boulevards, beautiful squares, and manicured parks, the Spanish capital is renowned for its rich repositories of European art, portico-lined Plaza Mayor, baroque style Royal Palace and many other cultural and historical monuments.
Although the site of modern-day Madrid has been occupied since prehistoric times, the first historical document about an established settlement here... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Although the site of modern-day Madrid has been occupied since prehistoric times, the first historical document about an established settlement here... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
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