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The Tower of Hercules is an ancient Roman lighthouse that is recognised as a World Heritage Site. It is located on a peninsula near the city of A Coruña, the second-largest city in Galicia, Spain.

The Tower of Hercules is 55 meters (180 ft) tall and has been standing for 1,900 years. It was rehabilitated in 1791, but remains as the oldest Roman lighthouse that is still functioning. It is also the second tallest lighthouse in Spain after the Faro de Chipiona.

The Tower of Hercules was originally three storeys tall, and stood at 35 meters (112 ft). A fourth storey was added during the 1788 rehabilitation. The work was carried out under the supervision of naval engineer Eustaquio Giannini. When it was completed in 1791, the height of the lighthouse was increased by 21 meters.


Tower of Hercules, A Coruña, Galicia, Spain
Tower of Hercules, A Coruña, Galicia, Spain
Author: Alessio Damato (Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported)

World Heritage Site Inscription Details

Tower of Hercules was inscribed as a World Heritage Site during the 33rd session of the World Heritage Committee in Seville, Spain, on 22 - 30 June, 2009.

Location: N43 23 9 W8 24 23
Inscription Year: 2009
Type: Cultural
Inscription Criteria: III

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