Monuments and sculptures
This visual poem by Joan Brossa stands just in front of Barcelona’s Roman wall, where the aqueduct once entered the city. This curious sculpture, which blends in perfectly with the city’s most ancient stones, spells out the word Barcino, the Roman name of Barcelona, and is the artist’s tribute to the ancient colony.
The fountain is one of the symbols of Barcelona, a meeting place for locals and visitors alike where people also flock to celebrate the victories of the Catalan team, Futbol Club Barcelona, Barça. The Canaletes Fountain has become one of Barcelona’s most visited landmarks. It also conceals a history that is closely associated with the old town’s water supply.
The Columbus Monument, stands at the end of Barcelona’s Rambla, near the sea. Take the lift inside the column to the viewing gallery at the top, 60 metres above the ground.
In 1888 Barcelona hosted the Universal Exhibition. The Arc de Triomf was built as the gateway to the fair which was held in the Parc de la Ciutadella. The monument is classical in shape and proportions and features ground-breaking sculptural and decorative finishes replete with symbolism. It has become one of the city’s iconic landmarks.
As you explore Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter you’ll come across one of the city’s best-kept secrets in a building on Carrer Paradís. Inside a small medieval courtyard, the four columns from the Temple of Augustus have survived despite the passing of the centuries. They are more than 2,000 years old, like Barcelona itself.
