The Lantern of Genoa is the harbour lighthouse of the main town of the Ligurian Coast.
172 steps lead to the terrace from which you can admire the port and the city once called the Superb or Dominant of the Seas. 77 meters tall, it is the highest lighthouse in the Mediterranean, second in Europe and is the third oldest lighthouse in the world among those still active.
Including the historic rock on which it rests, it reaches 117 meters high.
Beyond the indispensable instrument to the nocturnal navigation of the ships that enter and exit from the port, the Lanterna is also the monumental symbol of the city, almost a totem of the Genoese soul and as such is part of the history of the city.
The current building dates back to 1543, but since 1128 there was a tower of similar structure built as a watchtower to announce the arrival of suspicious boats and in time become a lighthouse. On top of it, burned brushwoods of Ginestre were burned to signal sailors access to the port.
The Porta Nuova of the Lanterna, originally had a rotation of 90 degrees northbound to close access to the city on the west side.
At the base of the lighthouse inside the ancient fortifications is the location of the Museum, 892 years of the history of the Lantern are narrated today in the Fusiliers' Rooms. The Halls of the Cannons are instead reserved to the use and the function of the naval lighthouses and signalling systems. that have been used at the 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 machinations!
We will reach the Belvedere di Righi with the Historic Funicular Railway in use since 1895. From the panoramic terraces at 320 meters above sea level, the view of the city and its harbor is truly mesmerizing!
