Start our journey with monuments that combine spiritual and symbolic dimensions, often prompting deeper reflection on life and history.

One of the most intriguing monuments is the Stairway to Heaven located in picturesque Montserrat near Barcelona. Set against a backdrop of spectacular mountains, this modern art installation consists of a metal staircase that seems to lead straight to heaven. The monument perfectly matches the spiritual character of the site of the famous Benedictine monastery. The staircase symbolizes the spiritual path that each of us must travel to reach a higher level of consciousness. Interestingly, the installation has become extremely popular with tourists, who often line up to take a photo against the backdrop of this remarkable work of art. Montserrat has attracted pilgrims for centuries because of the statue of the Black Madonna (La Moreneta) located there, and Stairway to Heaven adds a modern, artistic dimension to the site.

Moving on to Madrid, we come across one of the most controversial monuments in all of Spain - the Fountain with the Fallen Angel (Fuente del Ángel Caído). Located in Retiro Park, it is probably the world's only public monument dedicated to Lucifer. The sculpture, created by Ricardo Bellver in 1877, depicts the moment the angel fell from heaven, according to the biblical account. Intriguingly, the fountain is located exactly 666 meters above sea level, which adds to its ominous character and causes numerous urban legends to circulate around it. Madrid residents tell that strange sounds can be heard at the fountain at night, and some even claim that it is an occult meeting place. Regardless of the legends, it is a work of extraordinary artistic expression - the dramatic pose of the falling angel, its contorted face and outspread wings create an image full of emotion and tension.

In contrast to these two monuments stands the Monument a Lluís Companys in Agullana, in the province of Girona. This relatively modest monument commemorates a tragic figure in Catalan history - Lluís Companys, president of the Generalitat de Catalunya in the 1930s, who was executed by the Francoist regime in 1940. The monument is located near the French-Spanish border, symbolizing the escape route Companys used to try to cross into France. It is a place full of historical reverie, a reminder of the difficult times of the Spanish Civil War and Franco's dictatorship. This monument, while not as visually spectacular as the previous ones, carries a powerful emotional and historical charge, representing an important point on the map of Catalan collective memory.

Each of the three monuments represents a different dimension of spirituality and symbolism, ranging from the mystical path to heaven, to the biblical fall, to historical martyrdom. All, however, are thought-provoking and show how public art can touch the deep strings of the human soul.

Spain is a country extremely rich in traditions and customs, which are often reflected in public art. In this section, we will look at monuments that celebrate unique aspects of Spanish culture.

One of the most spectacular examples is the Monument to the Castellers in Tarragona. This impressive sculpture commemorates the Catalan tradition of building human towers, a UNESCO Intangible Heritage Site. Castellers are groups of men, women and children who climb one on top of the other, creating structures that sometimes reach up to nine levels. The monument, made of bronze, depicts a dynamic scene of building such a tower, capturing the muscle tension, concentration and cooperation of the participants. The tradition of castellers dates back to the 18th century and is deeply rooted in Catalan identity. Interestingly, when building human towers, the lightest children climb to the very top, where they perform a characteristic gesture - raising four fingers symbolizing the stripes of the Catalan flag. The monument perfectly captures the spirit of this tradition, emphasizing values such as cooperation, courage and solidarity.

Moving to the north of Spain, to Pamplona, we come across the remarkable Encierro/Entzierroa Monument, commemorating the famous San Fermín fiesta and its most famous element - bull races through the streets of the city. This dynamic monument, located on Avenida Roncesvalles, consists of bronze figures depicting runners fleeing from bulls. The sculpture perfectly captures the tension, fear and adrenaline surrounding this controversial event. Encierro, made world-famous by Ernest Hemingway's novel 'The Sun Also Rises,' attracts thousands of tourists every year who want to experience or at least see this dangerous spectacle. The monument has become a popular place to take photos, especially for those who don't have the courage to participate in the real chase. It is worth knowing that the tradition of the encierro has its roots in the practical need to drive bulls from the outskirts of the city to the corrida arena, over time transforming into a spectacular ritual.

Santander, a coastal city in northern Spain, is home to the charming Los Raqueros monument. This touching sculpture depicts a group of boys jumping into the water from the wharf. 'Raqueros' was a term used in the past for poor children who earned their living by diving for coins thrown by tourists and ship passengers into the water at the port. The monument, by José Cobo Calderón, was unveiled in 1999 and quickly became one of the city's symbols. The sculpture not only commemorates the difficult past of these children, but also captures the spirit of freedom, youthful courage and joy of living despite adversity. The figures of the boys are extremely realistic - you can see their emotions, from fear to excitement, which makes this monument appeal to the imagination of both adults and children. Many tourists squat on the waterfront next to the bronze figures for a souvenir photo.

Each of the monuments tells a different story about Spanish culture - from the communal spirit of Catalonia, to the adrenaline and courage of Navarre, to the difficult past and steadfastness of the Cantabrian people. Together they form a fascinating mosaic of traditions and values that have shaped and continue to shape the identity of this diverse country. These monuments are not just static works of art - they are living testaments to a culture that continues to evolve while retaining its unique characteristics.

Spain, with its turbulent history full of political turmoil, also has numerous monuments commemorating controversial figures and events. These monuments often stir up extreme emotions, becoming the subject of public debates.

The Monumento a José Calvo Sotelo in Madrid is one such monument. Located on the Paseo de la Castellana, it commemorates the right-wing politician whose assassination in 1936 became one of the immediate pretexts for the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War. The monument depicts the figure of Calvo Sotelo in an official pose, on a high pedestal, which gives it a majestic character. The history of this monument is as tumultuous as the fate of the politician himself - it has been the subject of controversy over the years due to Calvo Sotelo's ties to the conservative right and the fact that his death was used by General Franco as one of the arguments to justify the military coup. In the context of Spain's 2007 Historical Memory Law, which mandates the removal of Francoist symbols from public spaces, the monument has become the subject of heated debates. Nonetheless, it remains an important testament to Spain's complicated history and a reminder of the tragic events that led to the civil war.

It is worth comparing this monument with the previously mentioned Monument a Lluís Companys in Agullana. Both politicians were active during the same period, but represented opposite sides of the political spectrum - Calvo Sotelo was a conservative and monarchist, while Companys was a Republican Catalan nationalist. Their monuments reflect this polarity - Calvo Sotelo's monument is formal and monumental, typical of official state art, while Companys' monument has a more modest, reflective character. These two monuments symbolize the deep divisions that led to the civil war and that to some extent continue to shape Spanish politics.

Returning to the previously discussed monuments, it is worth noting how diverse their forms and messages are. The Stairway to Heaven in Montserrat, with its spiritual message, contrasts with the political overtones of the Calvo Sotelo and Companys monuments. The Fountain with the Fallen Angel in Madrid, on the other hand, while ostensibly religious, has an artistic and philosophical dimension far removed from political arguments. The Monument to the Castellers celebrates the cultural identity of Catalonia, while the Encierro Monument commemorates a tradition that has itself become controversial due to animal rights issues. Finally, Los Raqueros recalls the social inequalities of the past, but in a way that evokes nostalgia rather than political emotion.

Comparing these seven monuments in terms of accessibility and tourist appeal, there are some regularities. Monuments located in major cities, such as Madrid (Fountain of the Fallen Angel, Monumento a José Calvo Sotelo) or Barcelona (near which Stairway to Heaven is located), are more easily accessible to the average tourist and often included in popular tours. In contrast, monuments in smaller towns, such as Agullana (Monument a Lluís Companys), require a purposeful trip and a greater commitment on the part of visitors. Artistically, the Fountain with the Fallen Angel and Los Raqueros stand out the most, displaying a high level of expression and realism. The Monument to the Castellers and Encierro Monument impress with their dynamism and rendering of movement in a static sculptural form.

Tourists interested in the history of Spain will find the Calvo Sotelo and Companys monuments most valuable, as they provide a better understanding of the country's complicated fate in the 20th century. On the other hand, those seeking a unique cultural experience will appreciate the Monument to the Castellers and Encierro Monument, which introduce them to the fascinating world of Spanish traditions. Stairway to Heaven and Fountain with the Fallen Angel will attract lovers of art and philosophy, while Los Raqueros will move anyone who can appreciate a simple human story told through art.

Regardless of individual preferences, each of these seven unusual monuments of Spain offers a unique perspective on the culture, history and identity of this fascinating country. They are excellent examples of how public art can enrich urban spaces, provoke reflection and preserve the memory of the past for future generations.