Located in the capital of the Galicia region, A Coruña, the Tower of Hercules stands as one of the oldest lighthouses in the world! It's a must-see for anyone visiting the northwestern part of Spain.
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It is the world's second oldest lighthouse that is still in operation!
Towering at 55 meters, the lighthouse dominates the peninsula's landscape, near the heart of Galicia. Constructed in the 1st century AD by the architect from Coimbra, Caius Sevius Lupus, it stands as a testament to the advanced engineering and architectural skills of the Romans. Throughout the Middle Ages, many maritime crusades made it a point to stop in its vicinity.
The Crusaders were in the habit of starting their pilgrimage here to the Santiago de Compostela..
The lighthouse was renovated in 1791, and the area around it was decorated with a sculpture garden featuring works by Pablo Serrano and Francisco Leiro.
Today, it's designated as a National Monument of Spain and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It ranks as the second tallest lighthouse in Spain, right after the Faro de Chipiona.
Myths and legends around the Hercules lighthouse
Many myths and legends have emerged around the Tower of Hercules over time.
📖 According to one legend, the mythical Hercules defeated the giant Geryon there, and the city was built to commemorate this victory. Moreover, the coat of arms of the Galician capital depicts a lighthouse perched on a skull with crossed bones beneath it - symbolizing the buried head of the giant, adding a layer of mystery and history to this unique icon.
📖 Another legend, mixing Celtic and Greco-Roman elements, tells of King Breogán, who built a tower so high that his sons could see the green shores of Ireland from its top, prompting them to travel north.
Breogan,
a mythical Celtic king from Galicia, holds a central place in the mythology and culture of the region. According to the legend contained in "Lebor Gabála Érenn," or "The Book of Irish Invasions," from the 11th century, it was Breogan who built the monumental tower at Brigantium from which his sons, Ith and Bile, overlooked the green shores of Ireland. Symbolizing the connection between Spanish Galicia and Ireland, this fascinating tale underscores the long history of migration and cultural ties between the Celts of the two territories. Today, the figure of Breogan and his legacy are celebrated in Galicia through literary works, monuments such as the large statue near the Hercules Tower, and Galicia's anthem, "Os Pinos." In addition, Madrid has a park, Parque de Breogán, commemorating this legendary ruler.
The tales, myths and legendary stories surrounding the tower add to its mystery, making it not only a navigational object, but also a fascinating cultural landmark, attracting tourists and researchers from around the world.
This time we had no plans to spend much time in A Coruña. We drove through the center, along the main city beach, struck by the modern architecture and the dynamism and fresh energy of the city....
From the drone's perspective, the fascinating layout of the settlements, which blend harmoniously into the coastline, is revealed. The buildings, forming semicircles or elegantly meandering along the shore, show an original approach to architecture and landscaping.
From near the tower, we walked along the coast to the nearby oceanarium Aquarium Finisterrae, a great attraction, especially for children.
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