Tower of Hercules (A Coruña)
The city of A Coruña stands out for its historical, artistic and cultural heritage. Among the highlights is the Tower of Hercules, a lighthouse tower dating from between the end of the 1st century and the beginning of the 2nd century.
This Roman lighthouse is unique in the region and with 58 meters high it is the third tallest lighthouse in Spain, in addition to being in operation, which gives this site even more value. Due to its architectural value, in the year 2007 it was declared by UNESCO to be a World Heritage Site.
Around this impressive lighthouse are all kinds of legends that attract the visitor. One of them tells of how Hercules arrived mounted in a boat to the waters that today bathe the surroundings of the tower. This was the place where he chose to bury the head of the giant Geryon, whom Hercules defeated in combat.
Even with all these stories surrounding it, the Tower of Hercules' origin is unknown, although it had Roman modifications in the first century AD. It was intended to guide the navigation of ships during the reigns of Vespasian and Nero. The Tower lost its maritime use in the Middle Ages and was converted into a fortification. It received the name Brigantia Lighthouse (Farum Brigantium) until the 20th century.
At the foot of the Tower, documentary references to Brigantium (A Coruña) were found, revealing the existence of the lighthouse since the time of Trajan, as well as the name of its original architect. Currently, its façade shines in splendour as a result of its 18th century neoclassical remodelling.
This Roman lighthouse is unique in the region and with 58 meters high it is the third tallest lighthouse in Spain, in addition to being in operation, which gives this site even more value. Due to its architectural value, in the year 2007 it was declared by UNESCO to be a World Heritage Site.
Around this impressive lighthouse are all kinds of legends that attract the visitor. One of them tells of how Hercules arrived mounted in a boat to the waters that today bathe the surroundings of the tower. This was the place where he chose to bury the head of the giant Geryon, whom Hercules defeated in combat.
Even with all these stories surrounding it, the Tower of Hercules' origin is unknown, although it had Roman modifications in the first century AD. It was intended to guide the navigation of ships during the reigns of Vespasian and Nero. The Tower lost its maritime use in the Middle Ages and was converted into a fortification. It received the name Brigantia Lighthouse (Farum Brigantium) until the 20th century.
At the foot of the Tower, documentary references to Brigantium (A Coruña) were found, revealing the existence of the lighthouse since the time of Trajan, as well as the name of its original architect. Currently, its façade shines in splendour as a result of its 18th century neoclassical remodelling.
Location
What to see in A Coruña
