Description: Close to the end of the Ramblas is El Bosc de les Fades. We had read about it somewhere and wanted to see what it was like. It is unusual and different - probably one of Barcelona's most unusual bars. If you didn't know about it, I don't think you would ever stumble upon it. If, however, you know where to look, then it is very easy to find. Watch out for the wax museum at the end of the Ramblas - it is very well signposted. Underneath these signs is also a little sign for this bar. It is tucked away down a little alleyway right next to the wax museum.
Inside the bar is a bit of a surprise. It is dark and decorated like a forest. There are trees with an overhead canopy of leaves and branches and lanterns hanging in the trees. They have sounds which complement the decor - birds singing, insects chirping and the sound of waterfalls. There is also a little pond and waterfall - behind every nook and cranny is something more to explore.
One area has optical illusions and a weird devilish creature who appears in a mirror when you look at it from certain angles. Our 8 year old loved the place and was kept busy exploring, while we enjoyed a rest and a drink. They also serve food, we did not have any, but it looked very nice.
I don't think this is a place where locals would come for a drink, it did seem to be full of tourists. It is a bit gimmicky, but also quirky and fun and we enjoyed our visit.
When you leave the bar, you are very close to the statue of Christopher Columbus. It is right at the bottom of the Ramblas, overlooking the sea. It was built in 1888 and is dedicated to the famous explorer. It is 197 feet tall - you have to crane your neck to see Columbus at the top. If you have a good head for heights, apparently you can take a lift up to a small viewing tower at the top - we did not try this due to lack of time.
The statue of Columbus at the top of the column is 24 feet high. He is pointing with his right hand in the direction of the New World. Apparently the statue is located on the spot where Columbus returned from America on his first trip.
Around the base of the statue are several huge bronze lions. Our son (and lots of other children - and adults!) enjoyed climbing and sitting atop these lions. It makes for a great photo!
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