Columbus Lighthouse, Monument and mausoleum in Santo Domingo Este, Dominican Republic
Columbus Lighthouse is a large cross-shaped reinforced concrete structure in Santo Domingo Este measuring roughly 650 feet long and 195 feet wide. The thick concrete walls and symmetrical arms give the building a massive appearance, while the roof holds projectors.
The structure opened in 1992 to celebrate the five-hundredth anniversary of arrival in the Americas, with the design taken from an international competition held in 1931. Construction only began decades later and continued for several years until the finished mausoleum opened its doors.
The large hall inside displays exhibits from North and South American countries recalling European arrival in the New World. Several nations have installed showcases with colonial-era objects and religious items.
The crypt with a glass urn lies in the central part of the building and serves as the main destination for visitors. The upper levels offer galleries and exhibition rooms that can be explored during a walk through the cross arms.
The roof holds more than 150 searchlights that beam straight up at night to form a glowing cross visible from far away when the sky is clear. The light show is only activated on special occasions because the power consumption is very high.
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