Standing at the entrance to A Coruna's harbour in northwestern Spain, the Tower of Hercules has guided mariners for nearly two thousand years. Built during the reign of the Roman Emperor Trajan in the late 1st or early 2nd century AD, this is the only Roman lighthouse that has remained functional since its construction, earning it recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009.
A History Spanning Two Millennia
The origins of the Tower of Hercules reach back to the height of Roman maritime power. The lighthouse was constructed to guide ships navigating the treacherous waters around the northwestern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, a major route for Roman trade vessels travelling between the Mediterranean and the northern Atlantic.
Historical records suggest the original Roman structure was designed by architect Gaius Sevius Lupus, who left a dedication inscription to the Roman god Mars at the base of the tower. Although the outer shell we see today was largely rebuilt during an 18th-century restoration led by naval engineer Eustaquio Giannini in 1791, the Roman core remains intact inside.
Throughout the medieval period, the lighthouse fell into partial disuse, though local fishermen and sailors continued to light fires at its summit. The Bourbon-era restoration restored the tower to full operational status, adding a neoclassical facade around the original Roman masonry. This careful layering of history makes the Tower of Hercules a unique architectural document spanning nearly two thousand years.
Legends and Mythology
According to Galician mythology, the tower stands on the site where the Celtic hero Breogan built a great watchtower from which his son Ith could see the green shores of Ireland. This myth connects the tower to the broader tradition of Celtic migration stories linking Galicia to the British Isles.
The name "Tower of Hercules" comes from a later Roman legend in which the Greek hero Hercules defeated the giant Geryon after three days of battle. Hercules supposedly buried Geryon's head at the site and built the tower over it as a monument to his victory. These layered myths reflect the importance of the location to successive cultures over thousands of years.
The Tower of Hercules is a unique testimony to the exchange of knowledge and cultural influences between the Mediterranean Roman world and the peoples of the Atlantic coast of Europe.
What to See and Do
Visitors to the Tower of Hercules can explore several distinct areas:
- The Roman foundation: Excavations around the base reveal the original 1st-century stonework, giving a tangible connection to the ancient builders.
- The interior staircase: Climbing the 234 steps takes you through the Roman core and the 18th-century additions, with information panels along the way explaining the tower's construction history.
- The viewing platform: At 57 metres above sea level, the top offers panoramic views across the Atlantic, the city of A Coruna and the surrounding coastline.
- The sculpture park: The grounds around the tower feature contemporary sculptures and petroglyphs, including works by artists from across Galicia.
Visitor Information
Practical Tips for Your Visit
The Tower of Hercules is located about 2.5 kilometres from the centre of A Coruna, an easy walk along the scenic seaside promenade. City buses also run regularly to the site. Consider visiting in the late afternoon when the light is best for photography and the crowds have thinned.
The surrounding park area is free to access at all times, making it a popular spot for local joggers and families. If you plan to climb the tower itself, arrive early during summer months as visitor numbers are limited for conservation purposes. Comfortable shoes are recommended for the spiral staircase.
A Coruna's city centre offers plenty of restaurants serving traditional Galician seafood, and the town's glass-fronted buildings along the waterfront make for an excellent companion sightseeing experience. For general travel planning, the Spain tourism website provides updated visitor information.
How the Tower Compares
While Spain has 187 active lighthouses, the Tower of Hercules holds a special place. It is the only Roman lighthouse still in operation anywhere in the world. The Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, was destroyed by earthquakes in the 14th century. Other notable Roman lighthouses, such as the one at Dover Castle in England, survive only as ruins.
Within Spain, the Tower of Hercules is surpassed in height only by the Chipiona Lighthouse in Cadiz (69 metres), but its historical significance remains unmatched. Visitors interested in exploring more of Galicia's coastal heritage might also consider a trip to the Cape Finisterre Lighthouse, located about 100 kilometres south along the dramatic Costa da Morte.
