Lanterna di Genova (Lighthouse of Genoa), Genoa

The Lighthouse of Genoa, also known as La Lanterna, is a significant symbol of the city, marking its long history as a maritime hub. Standing at 77 meters tall with a total height of 117 meters above sea level, it is the tallest lighthouse in the Mediterranean and the second tallest in Europe. Originally built in the 12th century and rebuilt in 1543, the lighthouse continues to guide ships into the port. Visitors can climb 172 steps to reach the observation terrace, offering sweeping views of the harbor and the surrounding city.

Adjacent to the lighthouse is the Lanterna Museum, which provides insight into the history of the lighthouse and the port of Genoa. Established in 2006, the museum features exhibits on the evolution of lighthouse technology, including Fresnel lenses and rotating optics, which were essential for naval navigation. The collection also includes mechanical instruments and artifacts dating from the 19th and 20th centuries, depicting the development of lighting systems used to guide ships safely. One of the most notable pieces is an early 20th-century Fresnel lens, which allowed light to travel farther and be more visible to ships at sea.

A pedestrian path, about 800 meters long, leads from the Ferry Terminal to the lighthouse, offering changing scenery, from views of the harbor to glimpses of Genoa's cityscape, before reaching the fortifications that house both the lighthouse and museum.