Lighthouse of Genoa, Genoa, Italy

The Lighthouse of Genoa (Lanterna di Genova) serves as a symbol and a landmark for Genoa. Built of masonry, at 76 m it is the world's fifth tallest lighthouse and the second tallest 'traditional' one. Between 1543 and the construction of the lighthouse on Île Vierge, France in 1902, it was the tallest lighthouse in the world. When measured as a whole with the natural rock on which it stands, as it is commonly perceived and represented, its height is 117 m, which would make it the second tallest lighthouse in the world, the tallest in Europe, and the tallest traditional lighthouse.

It is constructed in two square portions, each one capped by a terrace; the whole structure is crowned by a lantern from which the light is shone.

The tower was shelled during the bombardment of Genoa by the French in 1684; the windows which were damaged were replaced on the orders of Louis XIV in 1692. In 1778 construction began on a new lighting system designed to counteract damage done to the lighting apparatus over several centuries of use. In 1840 a rotating Fresnel lens was installed; the system was formally inaugurated in January 1841. It was modified up until the end of the century in order to increase its capability; the entire lighthouse was modernised again in 1913, but the electrification was poorly done, and had to be refitted in 1936. One last major restoration project, begun after American and British air attacks of World War II, was completed in 1956. It is also the symbol surrounding the Derby della Lanterna between two football clubs, Genoa C.F.C. and U.C. Sampdoria.

Adjacent to the tower is the Museo della Lanterna. The museum mainly covers the history of the city and the port, and contains a good deal of archival material. Some of the displays also cover the history of navigation and navigational aids in Genoa, and describe various signaling systems that have been used at sea. Part of a Fresnel lens, similar to that found in the lighthouse itself, is shown in such a manner as to display its inner workings. In addition to the permanent displays, temporary exhibits are also sometimes shown at the museum.

References:

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Miscellaneous historic sites in Italy

User Reviews

Petr Kupka (4 months ago)
There is a combination of a park, a museum of lighthouse, and a 360 lookout from the top. But be sure, there are a lot of stairs without elevator and you will not be allowed to visit the very top with light. This sight is pretty far from the historical center. The path by foot is not so easy, you can shorten the journey via subway, a bit.

M G (5 months ago)
Very interesting history. Getting up there requires climbing over 200 steps and a decent level of fitness. Views are alright though not super special.

Polina (9 months ago)
А visit to La Lanterna is a must when in Genoa. It is the world's third oldest lighthouse (rebuilt in 1543). Now it is a military zone and there is a security check at the entrance, but you can climb up to the panoramic terrace, which is in the middle of the lighthouse. There are 179 steps to get there and no elevator for tourists. The view is worth the climb though! There is also a small museum about the history of the lighthouse with photos, paintings and artifacts, it’s interesting and informative.

An Na (9 months ago)
It was a unique experience, as it was the first ever time I have been to the lighthouse and could actually climb to the viewpoint. The entrance fee is 8€ per person and I find it to be reasonably priced. You can walk around the lighthouse (open-air museum), inside the lighthouse construction with plenty of information, and then climb to the viewpoint inside the lighthouse itself. Unfortunately, it's not possible to climb to the top but even the half-way view point has a magnificent city and sea view.

Martin Miler (11 months ago)
Torre della Lanterna was built in 1543 and is known as the symbol of Genoa. Lanterna keeps seafarers safe at all times, allowing them to steer ships to safe ports. This 120-meter (394-foot) tall building is in the hearts of Genoese people, and when they see it, they know they are at home. Considered the third oldest lighthouse in the world, no visit to Genoa is complete without a visit to this iconic lighthouse. Inside the lamphouse is a museum that records the history of Genoa, an important port city in Italy.

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