Torre de Hércules

Torre de Hércules Review

Much of A Coruña sits on a peninsula, on the tip of which is the Torre de Hércules—the oldest still-functioning lighthouse in the world. Originally built during the reign of Trajan, the Roman emperor born in Spain in AD 98, the lighthouse was rebuilt in the 18th century and looks strikingly modern; all that remains from Roman times are inscribed foundation stones. Scale the 245 steps for superb views of the city and coastline—if you're here on a summer weekend, the tower opens for views of city lights along the Atlantic. Lining the approach to the lighthouse are sculptures depicting figures from Galician and Celtic legends. At this writing, the interior is closed for renovation, but the park is still worth a visit, whether or not you can get inside the lighthouse.