Situated on a rock at the western end of the Port of Genoa arc, easily visible from many viewpoints is La Lanterna, the lighthouse symbol of the city. Considering that it was and still is the port beacon, it is mainly visible from the sea.
According to historians, in fact, the Lanterna is the oldest lighthouse still working: the monument dates back to 1128, but its present structure is due to a later project signed in 1507. In medieval times the site where the "Lanterna" rises was also known as Capo di Faro viz. Beacon Promontory.
Apart from being a fascinating sight and a point of reference for "Genoese history", the Lanterna is also an inexhaustable source of legends and fantastic stories. The bloodiest of which tells that its first architect was thrown down the top of the tower by command of the town Lords who wanted to prevent him from eventually building any other lighthouse of similar importance and prestige.
The lighthouse, 117 metres above sea level, radiates its light up to 36 nautical miles distance.
