The monument was built on the occasion of the Universal Exhibition of Barcelona in 1888. The works took seven years and to finish it was necessary to mount a scaffold with the same high as the monument. The architect Gaietà Buïgas i Monravà is the author of the project. The statue is the work of the sculptor Rafael Atché.
The sculptural ensemble measures a total of 57 meters in height and is divided into three sections. The base of the monument is decorated with statues and bas-reliefs. Above it rises a spectacular Corinthian-style iron column, richly decorated. The monument is crowned by the bronze statue of Columbus, seven meters high. The statue represents Christopher Columbus with the right arm extended pointing the sea, while in the left hand holds a nautical chart. .
Visitors have the possibility to get on to the top of the column. In the interior of the column there is a small elevator that allows to ascend until the hemisphere located under the feet of the statue. From the glazed lookout you can see magnificent panoramic views of the city and the port of Barcelona.