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:

Wikipedia

Miscellaneous historic sites in Italy

User Reviews

An Na (3 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 (5 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.

Philipp Kaselow (7 months ago)
The view is beautiful. But before i reached the top of the tower i had a problem. So i wanted to find the tower with google maps, but this was just inefficient. Because google maps has always tried to led me to the port. Next point, the tower has a lift ( but can only be used by soldiers, cops and staff) so every visitor has to climb up around 200 stairs. I have a good stamina, so it was not a problem for me. But maybe they should overthink theor decision regarding the use of the elevator (Especially in the summer months. But all in all it was it really worth to visit this place. Now I know a bit more about the history of Genua, which I really appreciate, because I am really interested in history.

Dominik Kuthan (9 months ago)
Worth a visit, be it relaxing stroll or chill in the surrounding garden/park area or for the stunning views of whole surrounding port and town layout. Lots of interesting information regarding Lighthouse construction and history. Keep in mind you can get only to middle section, upper level is off limits. Still quite nice and plenty of steps to climb just to get there.

luigi traman (12 months ago)
I have been there on Sunday and it wasn’t crowded. The location isn’t one of the most beautiful part of the city because it is located near the port where there a lot of container and industrial buildings and factories. You have to walk across a street where there a lot of cars but the view worth it. Around the lanterna (the lighthouse) there is a small park, which is well kept and clean with some benches. After the park you will visit the museum of the lighthouse, which is also small but is very interesting and beautiful due to his location inside the historical walls of the lighthouse. After that you can go to the upper part of the lighthouse climbing 172 steps, at the end of them you will find a beautiful sightseeing of the sea and the centre of Genoa. The visit is well organised and it costs only 8€ for young adults and adult and 6€ for students.

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