World Heritage Site:
Tower of Hercules
Publication Year:
2023
Publication Type:
Book chapter
Publication Identifier:
WHE339A04E2E1
Summary
The Tower of Hercules, the world's only surviving Roman lighthouse, stands as both a functional maritime beacon and a testament to architectural preservation. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009, it continues its original purpose—guiding ships—while serving as a case study for the evolution of navigation aids from antiquity to modern times. A key finding is the successful 18th-century restoration by Eustaquio Giannini, which applied scientific principles while preserving the monument's authenticity. This chapter offers a descriptive analysis focusing on its historical and constructive aspects, providing insights into ancient engineering techniques and their enduring legacy.
Citation
Elizalde, R. R. (2023). Constructive and Historical Analysis of the Tower of Hercules: Ancient Roman Lighthouse Still in Use. Research and Developments in Engineering Research Vol. 9, 81–108. https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/rader/v9/6477b