Tower of Hercules, Roman lighthouse in A Coruña, Spain
Description
The Tower of Hercules is a Roman lighthouse on a peninsula in A Coruña, Spain, resting on a square base and crowned by three narrower sections with a lantern chamber. Ancient stone walls enclose the staircase leading to the observation platform, from which the Atlantic and the coastline come into view.
History
Roman builders raised the structure in the second century under Emperor Trajan to guide ships along the dangerous coast. The outer shell received a new form in 1788, yet the inner Roman core remained and still carries the light today.
Culture
The name recalls an old legend in which Hercules defeated the giant Geryon and then raised the tower. Visitors today still see the rough stone facing and the wide view over the sea, guiding fishermen and sailors as it has for centuries.
Practical
Visitors climb 242 steps up to the observation platform and should plan for sturdy footwear and time for pauses. The ascent becomes easier in summer with longer opening hours, while winter visits bring shorter days and often stronger winds.
Did you know?
This structure is the only Roman lighthouse worldwide that remains in continuous operation since ancient times and therefore received recognition as a World Heritage site. The upper platform offers views reaching up to 32 nautical miles out to the open sea on clear days.
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