Font Magica de Montjuic was designed by Carles Buigas and built for the 1929 World Expo in Barcelona. Light shines through the water giving onlookers the appearance of dancing waters with a display of color. Music plays at certain showings at the fountain, and performances are conducted year-round. The nearest train station is Place Espanya, which is within walking distance.
Monument a Colom in Catalan sits on the southern end of La Rambla and indicates the spot where Columbus returned to Spain after his first voyage to the Americas. The 196-foot tall column with the Statue of Christopher Columbus was constructed for the Universal Exposition of 1888. Sculptor Rafael Atché shows the right hand of Columbus pointing east towards Columbus's supposed home city of Genoa while holding a scroll in the left. An elevator takes guests to the top for overhead views of Barcelona.
Plaza de la Independencia is home to the archway style monument Puerta de Alcala. The monument has a large central semicircular-topped arch with two similar arches on either side. Its completion came in 1769 after Carlos III became king of Spain 10 years earlier. The king commissioned Italian architect Francisco Sabatini to create the new structure after deciding the gates were not to his liking on the previous Puerta de Acala. Metro station Banco de Espana is slightly west of the gate.
Cibeles Fountain is part of La Plaza de Cibeles in the the middle of Madrid. It invokes Cybele, the Greek goddess of fertility and nature who is holding a scepter and a key, and is being pulled by two lions on a chariot. The pull of these wild lions reinforces the power of nature. Ventura Rodriguez sculpted the fountain in 1782 during the time that Madrid was a Moorish settlement. Madrid Barajas Airport is approximately 7 miles from the plaza.
Alcazar Palace is the residence of His Royal Majesty Juan Carlos when he visits Seville. The palace was constructed by Abd Al Ramn III in 913 A.D. and features important examples of the Mudejar style of architecture. Other rooms, patios, and halls vary in architectural styles from Islamic to Neoclassical. El Patio del Yeso at the palace highlights flowers and streams.
