Monument to Columbus (Madrid)

The statue dedicated to Christopher Columbus was built between 1881 and 1885 to celebrate the marriage of king Alfonso XII and lady María de las Mercedes de Orleáns. Made of white marble, the figure of Columbus is the work of sculptor Jerónimo Suñol, and the Gothic-style pedestal is the work of Arturo Mélida. The monument is notable for the way it perfectly integrates into the square in which it is situated, on Paseo de la Castellana, with a beautiful landscaped area, ponds and a large waterfall.