Analysis of the Tower of Hercules, the World’s Oldest Extant Lighthouse

The Tower of Hercules stands as the world's oldest extant lighthouse, offering a unique lens to study the evolution of maritime signaling and navigation systems from antiquity to modern times. This Roman-era structure, still functional today, showcases an exceptional case of architectural intervention: its 18th-century restoration by Eustaquio Giannini preserved its authenticity while applying scientific principles. The study highlights its continuous role in guiding ships, making it a paradigmatic example of how ancient monuments adapt to contemporary needs without compromising historical integrity.

Elizalde, R. R. (2023). Analysis of the Tower of Hercules, the World’s Oldest Extant Lighthouse. Buildings, 13(5), 1219. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13051219