Torre de Hercules (Tower of Hercules), La Coruna (must see)

The Tower of Hercules, also known as Hercules' Lighthouse, is an iconic landmark located in the coastal city of La Coruña. Standing 55 meters tall atop a 57-meter-high rock, it is the world's oldest Roman lighthouse still in operation, earning it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The tower was originally constructed by the Romans between the 1st and 2nd centuries CE to guide ships navigating the treacherous waters of the western seaboard of their empire. During this period, it was known as Farum Brigantium, with its construction traditionally attributed to the Portuguese architect Gaius Sevius Lupus. The lighthouse's significance is documented as early as 415 CE, where it was described as "a tall lighthouse that stood in the city of Galicia, Brigantium," marking it as part of the route to Britannia.

Throughout its long history, the Tower of Hercules underwent several modifications. It fell into disuse during the Middle Ages but was repurposed as a defensive structure. The first major renovation occurred in the 17th century when a wooden staircase was added to reach its summit. However, the most substantial reconstruction took place during the reign of Charles III of Spain, led by the Spanish engineer Eustaquio Giannini. This 18th-century restoration added two octagonal sections to the original Roman masonry, extending its height and solidifying its role as a navigational beacon. An intriguing detail of its legacy is its twinning with the Statue of Liberty in New York City and El Morro Lighthouse in Havana, Cuba, highlighting its global symbolic importance.

Visitors to the Tower of Hercules today can climb its 230 steps, equivalent to 2,215 footsteps, which not only promises stunning panoramic views of the Atlantic coast but also serves as a brisk workout, burning around 300 calories. At its base, remnants of Roman architecture are visible, including a small rectangular building, while the surrounding area features a sculpture park, Monte dos Bicos rock carvings from the Iron Age, and a Muslim cemetery. Excavations in the 1990s uncovered the tower's Roman foundations, deepening its historical narrative.