Name and Location

The Torre de Hércules, also known as the Tower of Hercules, is an ancient Roman lighthouse located at the northwestern tip of the Iberian Peninsula in A Coruña, Galicia, Spain. Its official address is Avenida Navarra, s/n (Estrada da Torre de Hércules), 15002 A Coruña, La Coruña, Spain.

2. Construction and History

The lighthouse was constructed during the 1st century AD, making it one of the oldest Roman-built lighthouses still in use today. It has been continuously used as a guide for Roman vessels to the port of Brigantium (modern A Coruña) since its construction era. Although details vary, the lighthouse underwent significant renovations in the 18th century to preserve its structure and adapt its light mechanism to contemporary needs.

3. Architecture and Materials

The Torre de Hércules is a rectangular tower with a spiral ramp inside, leading to the lantern chamber at the summit. It is constructed from local granite blocks laid in regular courses, typical of Roman masonry in Hispania.

4. Light and Navigation

Although technical details such as exact tower height, light range, and characteristic are not specified, the lighthouse still functions as a coastal lighthouse under Spain's port authority, guiding vessels through automation.

5. Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors may climb the internal ramp and stairway to a viewing platform at the top of the tower. The opening hours are June-September: daily 10:00–21:00 and October-May: daily 10:00–18:00. The entrance fee is €3 per person, with facilities including ticket office, small on-site interpretation panels, restrooms.

6. Notable Views and Landscape

Perched on a rocky promontory about 60 meters above sea level, the tower commands panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, the northern coastline of Galicia, and A Coruña's modern harbor. The adjacent green headland is part of the Paseo Marítimo park, popular with walkers and cyclists.

7. Anecdotes and Folklore

Local lore ties the tower to the mythic hero Hercules, who according to medieval chronicles slew the giant Geryon and erected the tower on the carcass as a funerary monument. Up until automation, successive generations of lighthouse keepers lived in nearby houses, maintaining the oil lamp and later the electrified beacon.

8. Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse is owned and managed by the Concello (City Hall) of A Coruña in coordination with Spain's Port Authority. The official website is http://www.torredeherculesacoruna.com/.

9. Further Information

• For further reading, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Centre at https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1312/.
• Explore the official website of the Torre de Hércules at http://www.torredeherculesacoruna.com/.