Plaça Portal de la Pau,
Drassanes

In the 19th century, when all of Catalunya were sure that Christopher Columbus was native born (he was actually born in Genoa), the city constructed this 60 metre cast iron tribute to their great explorer. His statue stands 52 metres above the Plaça Portal de la Pau, and you can share his seaward view via a lift, which ascends the decorative column.

It's a tight squeeze in the tiny lift that shuttles you up and down the height of Columbus's column. For the weary lift keeper this must surely be one of the city's most claustrophobic jobs .

Despite fantastic views which open up across coast and city; when you arrive at the top the claustrophobic feeling doesn't entirely disappear. Here you find yourself inside an enormous iron crown; the busy life of La Rambla flowing ant-like below you. The heavy iron-work, so much the signature of this great monument, creates a rather peculiar atmosphere; bringing to mind an old-fashioned street urinal -- except transported 50 metres up into mid-air.

Don't be put off though, the incongruity is rewarding. This seagull's view of the city is so different from the natural highpoints which provide views from the landward side.

contributor: Nigel Hayler