The slim figure of the Faro Tower (Lighthouse Tower), often called Lanterna (Lantern), is the most famous symbol that represents our city in Italy and in the world. From its height of 76 metres it dominates the port, the historical centre and the village of Sampierdarena. From its birth the tower has always assumed a predominantly military role, controlling the movements and embarkments which occured inside the port, and in via Aurelia underneath. But if we know the scope of its construction, it is, instead of uncertain origin. The first information we find about a lighthouse in San Benigno goes back to 1128, the year in which a decree was issued which stabilized the watch over this site, and the supplying of wood and broomstone for the fire in the lighthouse during the night, on the part the city dwellers and some of the villages. At that time the tower probably didn't exist yet, but it certainly did in 1318, and it was in the hands of the Guelphs, who five years later restored it. In 1326 the antique system of wood fire was substituted by oil lamps, which were then substituted by a cylindric lighthouse in iron with small windows. In 1300 the tower was also used as a prison; Giacomo di Lusignano, King of Cyprus and his wife, were held prisoner there for a long time. It seems that in 1449 the guardian of the lighthouse was Antonio Colombo, the uncle of Christopher Columbus.

In 1507, Genoa was under Louis XII, King of France. To impede any revolts, and to secure his position, the French built the Fortress of Capo di Faro or Codefa, which by will of the sovereign, was supposed to be built in place of the Lanterna. Its position would have favoured the paralysis of the city, isolating the port from maritime traffic: because of this, the Genoese didn't tollerate its presence. The construction of the Briglia threatened the conservation of the Lanterna, which was lower and squatter than now; the Senate of the Republic donated 200 golden scudos to the projector to conserve the Lanterna and incorporate it inside the new fortress, which was finished in 1508. On March 16, 1514, after a siege which lasted 16 months on behalf of the Genoese, the French garrison, which held the fortress surrendered. On August 28^th of that same year the dismantelling of the fortress was begun. During the siege the lighthouse was damaged by Genoese artillary fire. In 1543 it was decided to rebuild it. Inside, above the exit after the central terrace, there is a plaque which commemorates the event: "In the year 1543, sixteenth after our renewed liberty, Pietro Giovanni Cibo Clavica, Giovanni Battista Lercari fu Domenico and Luciano Spinola fu Giugliemo, Fathers of the Community, restored this tower which our noble forefathers constructed, and which, in 1512, during the siege of the fortress of the Lanterna, was destroyed by artillary fire." The Lanterna was built higher than the preceding one, following, however, the same architectural scheme. In 1681 the lamp was modernized.

The tower is composed of two slender volumes, overlapped by a squre floorplan, and it is still surrounded by Bastions from the 1800s, which were partly demolished around 1927. Inside, on the perimitral walls, there is a staircase with flying butrasses. On both walls there are different square windows, whose scope is that of letting in air and light. Recently a small elevator has been placed in the middle to avoid climbing the 720 steps. Halfway up we find the first landing, closed-in by another parapet from which there are two embrasures. Outside, underneath, there is the Genoese coat of arms.

The final terrace is protected by simple double cast balusters, which substituted the original battlements. The lamp is formed by a halogen lamp of 1KW, which turns with the help of a small motor, and lights up to 33 miles. Under the footboard of the lighthouse, the mecchanism which, up to five years ago, turned the light, is conserved. Recently the building has been reopened to the public, with the inauguration ceremony reserved to the various authorities. This took place on Saturday, December 9, 1995. The tour of the lighthouse finishes, however at the first landing. An internet site is also dedicated to the monument.

 Other images

  The Lanterna from Sampierdarena: on the sea, the battery on the surface of the water sticks out

  The del Faro Tower seen from the sea, 1920

  When the sea hit the Lanterna

  The Lighthouse lit up during the night

  Return to Summary