The Lanterna, the icon of the city

The Lanterna is the highest lighthouse of the Mediterranean and the second-tallest in Europe. Through the centuries, it served as a watchtower, a stage for tightrope walkers, and prison.

It was built in its present form in 1543, after the destruction of the old lighthouse in 1514. The lighthouse is 253 ft tall, standing on a 130-ft cliff, its summit thus reaching 383-ft above sea level.

Its rotating optics project light up to 35 miles away.

There are 172 steps to reach the first terrace (the only open to visitors).