During the preparations for the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, several original examples of modern architecture appeared, including the snow-white communications tower on Montjuïc hill. Despite its purely utilitarian purpose — to provide television broadcasting of sporting competitions, it became one of the symbols of Barcelona and one of its visual landmarks. The project was designed by the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, whose futuristic structures adorn cities all over the world.
In 1989-1991, the elegant slender silhouette of the 136-meter tower rose above Anella Olimpica (the Olympic Ring). It is installed on a round base clad with ceramic shards in the "trencadis" technique popular in Barcelona. This element was necessary to house telecommunications equipment, but the architect found another use for it: the tower's shape and its position make it possible to use the platform as the dial of a huge sundial.
The tower itself has an original shape and looks completely different from different angles. Many believe it symbolizes an athlete holding the Olympic torch. However, everyone can see something of their own in it: among the popular images are a lighthouse, a spaceship, a sewing machine needle, and a kneeling person.
