Lanterna di Genova
Rampa della Lanterna, 1, 16149 Genova GE, Italy
Name and Location
The Lanterna di Genova, also known simply as "La Lanterna," is an iconic lighthouse and symbol of the city of Genoa. It is located at Rampa della Lanterna, 1, 16149 Genova GE, Italy, with coordinates 44.4045519 N, 8.9046428 E.
2. Construction and History
The first lighthouse on this site was documented in 1128. The current tower dates from a major reconstruction in 1543, with successive restorations through the 18th to 20th centuries. The Lanterna has been rebuilt several times due to damage or destruction by fire and conflict.
3. Architecture and Materials
The Lanterna is a medieval-Renaissance military tower, tapering octagonal prism with battlemented gallery below lantern room. It stands at a height of 76 m from base to the top of the lantern, with a focal plane at approximately 117 m above mean sea level.
4. Light and Navigation
The Lanterna di Genova has a light characteristic of two white flashes every 15 seconds, with a nominal range of about 25 nautical miles (≈46 km). The light source is now solar-assisted mains power, having previously been acetylene and then generators.
5. Accessibility and Visiting
The Lanterna di Genova is open to visitors on Fridays to Sundays from 10:00 to 18:00, with a nominal entrance fee. Visitors can access the site on foot via the "Passeggiata della Lanterna" from the Old Harbour or by urban bus lines.
6. Notable Views and Landscape
The Lanterna overlooks the Gulf of Genoa and the ancient port docks, offering sweeping vistas of Genoa's historic center, the harbor basin, and the Ligurian Sea. Nearby attractions include the Aquarium of Genoa, the Porto Antico redevelopment area, and the Museum of the Sea (Galata).
7. Anecdotes and Folklore
The Lanterna is a symbol of Genoa for over eight centuries, appearing on the city's coat of arms, coins, and local folk art. According to local legend, lighting the Lanterna each evening ensures safe return for all Genoese sailors.
8. Technical and Operational Details
The Lanterna di Genova is fully automated and monitored remotely by the Italian Navy's Lighthouse Service (Marina Militare). The lighthouse has a radar beacon (RACON "G") and AIS transmitter, although this information is speculative.
9. Further Information
For more information on visiting hours, ticket prices, and other details, please visit the official website of Musei di Genova or consult the Italian Hydrographic Office's Elenco Fari 1569.
Details
| Name | Lanterna di Genova |
|---|---|
| City | Genoa |
| Country | Italy |
| Coordinates | 44.4045519, 8.9046428 |
| Website | https://www.museidigenova.it/en/museum-lighthouse-la-lanterna |
| Events | During the Napoleonic siege of 1800 and World War II, it served also as a lookout and defensive tower. |
| Stories | local legend holds that lighting the Lanterna each evening ensures safe return for all Genoese sailors. |
| Architectural style | medieval–Renaissance military tower, tapering octagonal prism with battlemented gallery below lantern room |
| Construction material | ["local limestone","granite masonry with brick-and-mortar infill"] |
| Focal height | 117 |
| Tower height | 76 |
| Heritage status | true |
| Renovations | 14th century; 1333; 1543 |
| Access description | Reachable on foot via the “Passeggiata della Lanterna” from the Old Harbour (Porto Antico) or by urban bus lines (AMT routes 31/USCITA). Limited parking nearby. |
| Accessible | true |
| Landscape type | coast |
| View description | Sweeping vistas of Genoa’s historic center, the harbor basin, and the Ligurian Sea. |
| Guided tours | true |
| Facilities | small exhibition hall on ground floor, panoramic terrace at gallery level |
| Opening hours | Friday–Sunday, 10:00–18:00 (last admission 17:30) |
| Nearby attractions | ["Aquarium of Genoa","Porto Antico redevelopment area","Museum of the Sea (Galata)","historic city center (UNESCO World Heritage)"] |
| AIS Radar | true |
| Light characteristic | "Fl(2) W 15 s" |
| Light range | 25 |
| Automated | true |