Tower of Hercules Historical Facts and Pictures

Overlooking the North Atlantic shoreline of Spain, from a Peninsula, which is 1.5 miles away from central Corunna, the Tower of Hercules is a National Monument of the country. Popularly known as “Farum Brigantium” until the 20^th century, this 55-meter high tower is the second tallest lighthouse in Spain. The inscription at the base implies that, the primary architect of the tower is Gaius Sevius Lupus, it also suggests that it was built in 1^st century CE during the reign of Trajan. The lighthouse is accompanied by a rectangular Roman building at its base, along with a sculpture park that houses Monte dos Bicos rock carvings and a Muslim cemetery.

Tower of Hercules Map

Tower of Hercules

Architecture and Construction

Functioning since late 1^st century AD, the Tower of Hercules is considered as the most ancient lighthouse in the world. Throughout the history, it has undergone several restoration works. The original 3-storey Roman structure embodied Phoenician designs, resembling the Lighthouse of Alexandria. In 1788, during the reign of Charles III of Spain, the tower conformed a neoclassical restoration under the instructions of naval engineer Eustaquio Giannini. This new structure has witnessed the addition of a 21-meter high fourth storey.

Tower of Hercules Entrance

Tower of Hercules Images

Tower of Hercules Photos

Tower of Hercules Pictures

Interior of Tower of Hercules

The interior section of the tower consists of three levels, containing four chambers at each level. A helical staircase of 234 steps runs from the bottom to the top, which was used for the transportation of fuel to light the lantern.

Inside Stairs in the Tower of Hercules

Inside the Base of the Tower of Hercules

Inside the Tower is a Statue of Hercules

Inside Top View Tower of Hercules

Tower of Hercules Inside

Three mythical tales surround the history of the tower’s construction – the Greco-Roman legend of the demigod Hercules, who slew the tyrant giant Geryon; the Celtic-Irish myth of king Breogán; and the story of Trecenzonio. Due to its rich historical, as well as mythical values, this sublime specimen of Roman architecture had been deservedly enlisted among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2009.

Tower of Hercules Inside Upstairs

Tower of Hercules Top View