Read about my family's tapas tour in Madrid"

Photo Left: Columbus stands at the pinnacle of a tall column. I did not check, but I would not be surprised to learn that the statue of Columbus is facing west and that the eyes are scanning the horizon, looking for that westward route to the Indies.

The Colon bus stop is but one of the attractions under the plaza. The cultural center, de la Villa de Madrid, is also located beneath the plaza. At the base of the Columbus Monument is a fountain with a huge cascade of water. At the ends of the fountain are stairs leading down under the cascade. Take them to check out the cultural center.

The cascading water has a very stimulating roar, making it difficult to carry on a conversation outside the cultural center.