The landmark of the city of Genoa, the Lighthouse of Genoa, also known as the Lanterna, is open for visits from Friday to Sunday. On top of the Capo di Faro (lighthouse), where people once lit bonfires to help sailors navigate, the lighthouse of Genoa was built in 1128. The lighthouse served as both a fortification and a warning beacon. It was separated from the city wall in the Middle Ages, and it was not until the 17th century that it joined the protective walls. The city’s coat of arms, a red cross on a white background, was painted on the lower part of the tower in 1340.
Lanterna, the official lighthouse of the port of Genoa, has been in operation for almost nine centuries. The only lighthouse in Italy with a lighthouse keeper, it is also the most important. Its light can be seen at a distance of 50 kilometers. It is the tallest lighthouse in the Mediterranean at 249 feet (76 meters). Its height is 383 feet when considered together with the natural rock on which it rests in its entirety (117 m). In addition, it is the third oldest active lighthouse in the world. Each of its two square sections is built with a terrace, and the whole is topped with a lantern that shines light.
Only the first 172 steps are open to the public. It is not possible to reach the top of the lighthouse because its upper part is under military control. Lanterna can only be reached on foot through the “Lanterna Promenade”, an 800-meter path, partly on the 17th-century walls. Lanterna’s promenade is part of Lanterna Park and is open to the public every day.
Location: Italy
