Columnes de Bellaterra

Columnes de Bellaterra greets visitors at the southern entrance to the Bellaterra campus of the Autonomous University of Barcelona, in Cerdanyola del Vallès. Four slender columns carved from reddish granite rise above the green surroundings of the university grounds and have stood for more than two decades as one of the campus's most recognizable landmarks.

What is this sculpture?

The work was created by Valencian sculptor Andreu Alfaro Hernández and unveiled on 10 September 1999. The four columns vary in height, ranging from 25 to 40 metres, and each one appears to twist gently as it stretches upward — a visual gesture meant to evoke the pursuit of knowledge, freedom of expression, cultural identity, and solidarity, values closely tied to academic life.

At the base of the columns, stone plaques bear the names of universities belonging to the Xarxa Vives d'Universitats network, reinforcing the piece's role as a symbol of the wider Catalan and Valencian academic community. Together, the columns act as a welcoming gate, the first sight for anyone arriving at the campus from the south.

How to get there?

The sculpture stands right at the main entrance to the Bellaterra campus, in the municipality of Cerdanyola del Vallès, near the border with Sabadell. The area is well connected to Barcelona: the campus has its own railway station, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, and local bus lines link Cerdanyola, Sabadell, and the Catalan capital. Visitors arriving by car can use the university's parking areas nearby.

What else is worth seeing nearby?

The green setting around the columns makes this a pleasant spot for a short walk before heading further into central Cerdanyola or toward the nearby Collserola hills. The campus itself is worth a glance too — designed in the 1960s and 1970s as a self-contained academic town with its own infrastructure, it offers a distinct piece of modern Catalan architecture.

When to visit?

The columns can be seen year-round and look their best on sunny days, when the reddish granite stands out against the greenery and the sky. Keep in mind that the campus follows the academic calendar — outside term time, such as summer holidays or Christmas break, the area is noticeably quieter, making it easier to enjoy the site without student crowds.

Frequently asked questions

Who designed Columnes de Bellaterra? The sculpture was designed by Andreu Alfaro Hernández, a Spanish artist from Valencia known for his large-scale public works.

How many columns make up the installation, and how tall are they? The installation consists of four columns of varying height, ranging from 25 to 40 metres, made of reddish granite.

When was the sculpture unveiled? It was officially unveiled on 10 September 1999, at the southern entrance to the Bellaterra campus.

Is there an entrance fee? No — the sculpture stands in an open public space at the campus entrance and can be visited free of charge at any time.