Tower of Hercules

Tower of Hercules is a Roman lighthouse standing on a rocky headland on the coast of A Coruña, in Spain's Galicia region. It is the oldest lighthouse in the world still in active use, and the only surviving lighthouse structure built by the Romans — today a defining landmark of the city and one of the most recognizable monuments in northwestern Spain.

Where is the tower and how tall is it?

The tower sits on a headland jutting into the Atlantic Ocean, within the city of A Coruña, in the region of Galicia. Its present height is 55 metres, though some sources cite 49 metres — the difference reflects the fact that the original Roman structure was shorter, and the tower reached its current form after later rebuilding. Perched on a high cliff, its light has always been visible far out at sea, making it a key navigational reference for ships approaching the bay of A Coruña since antiquity.

Why is it the oldest working lighthouse in the world?

The Tower of Hercules is the only Roman-built lighthouse to survive to the present day, and it has continuously served its original navigational purpose ever since, guiding ships along the Atlantic coast. That combination — ancient origin and unbroken service — is unique worldwide: most Roman structures of this kind have not survived, and the few that remain stopped functioning as lighthouses long ago.

What is there to see on site?

The tower itself, rising dramatically above the cliffs, is striking from a distance thanks to its massive, square-based form, which sets it apart from lighthouses built in later eras. The grounds around it form an expansive headland park, offering sweeping views over the Atlantic Ocean and the A Coruña coastline. Walking the paths around the site reveals the tower from multiple angles and leads visitors close to the cliff edge, where clear days offer open views of the sea stretching to the horizon.

Who is this destination for?

The Tower of Hercules appeals to history enthusiasts eager to see a rare example of Roman maritime engineering still fulfilling its original function. It is equally appealing for anyone looking for an easy, scenic walk with ocean views, since the grounds are open to the public and require no special physical preparation. As A Coruña is a port city, the visit can easily be combined with exploring the wider town nearby.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Tower of Hercules? It is a Roman lighthouse on a headland in A Coruña, Galicia, considered the oldest lighthouse in the world still in operation.

How tall is the tower? The tower currently stands 55 metres tall, though some sources give 49 metres due to differences in how the original Roman structure is measured.

Is the Tower of Hercules still used as a lighthouse? Yes, it continues to serve its navigational function, guiding ships into the bay of A Coruña — the only surviving Roman lighthouse in the world.

Where exactly is the tower located? It stands on a rocky headland within the city of A Coruña, on the Atlantic coast of Galicia, in northwestern Spain.

What can visitors see around the tower? The area around the lighthouse is a headland park with ocean views and coastal scenery, ideal for a walk combined with admiring the tower itself.