Visit the Lighthouse of Genoa: what to see, how to get there, and why it's worth visiting it

The Lighthouse of Genoa is more than just a lighthouse: it has dominated the harbor and is the symbol of the city for more than 800 years. At 77 meters high, it is the tallest lighthouse in the Mediterranean and still guides incoming vessels. Built in the Middle Ages and rebuilt several times, the Lighthouse tells the maritime history of Genoa and offers a unique view of the city. Visiting the Lighthouse of Genoa means discovering a piece of history, taking an ancient walk through the walls, and accessing a museum that reveals the connection between the city and its port.

La Lanterna di Genova

History of the Lighthouse

The Lanterna di Genova has medieval origins and has been a landmark for sailors and citizens for centuries. An early watchtower was built in 1128, when the city needed to signal the arrival of boats. In 1326, the structure was transformed into a full-fledged lighthouse by the installation of an oil-fueled lantern. As the port expanded and maritime traffic increased, the Lighthouse became increasingly strategic.

During the French rule of 1507, the lighthouse suffered severe damage due to clashes between Genoese and French troops. It was rebuilt with its current appearance in 1543: a 77-meter-high tower divided into two overlapping trunks, each with a viewing terrace. For centuries, the Lighthouse remained a landmark for ship traffic and a symbol of Genoa.

Over time, the lighthouse has undergone several modernizations: in the 19th century the lighting system switched from oil to gas, then to electricity in 1913. Today, the Lighthouse's beam reaches up to 50 km, making it one of the most powerful lighthouses in the Mediterranean. In addition to its maritime function, the lighthouse is now part of a monumental complex that includes a museum dedicated to Genoa's port history.

The Lighthouse of Genoa’s Museum

The Lighthouse of Genoa’s Museum is located inside the ancient fortifications at the base of the lighthouse and is part of the Lanterna Monumental Complex. 

The exhibition itinerary spans indoor and outdoor areas, with a permanent exhibition telling the story of the Lighthouse, the harbor, and the evolution of maritime signaling systems. Through multimedia panels, historical documents and original artifacts, the museum offers insight into Genoa's growth as a maritime power.

In addition to the permanent collection, the museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, often dedicated to the history of shipping, Genoese urban planning, and the city's cultural heritage.

The museum's educational value is significant: schools and groups can participate in guided tours to learn more about the connection between Genoa and its port. Thanks to its location and exhibited contents, the museum is not only a place of remembrance, but a center of cultural dissemination for citizens and tourists.

Visiting Hours and Tickets

The Lighthouse of Genoa can be visited during the following hours.

• Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with last admission at 5:30 p.m.

In case of bad weather or orange weather alerts and/or thunderstorms, visits to the lighthouse may be suspended.

Ticket costs are as follows:

• Full ticket: €8.00

• Reduced (children 7-12 years old): 6.00 €​

• Children up to 6 years old: free admission

You can purchase tickets online, also in combination with admission to the Genoa Aquarium.

How to Reach the Lighthouse of Genoa

The Lighthouse of Genoa is located in the Sampierdarena district, on a rock that was once the extreme tip of the San Benigno promontory. Today it is surrounded by port infrastructure, but it is accessible via a pedestrian walkway of about 800 meters that starts from the Genoa Ferry Terminal. 

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From the Hotel Astoria to the Lighthouse of Genoa:

• By car: From Hotel Astoria, head toward Via Fiume and continue on Via XX Settembre. Follow the signs to the Ferry Terminal. Once there, park your car and walk down the 800-meter pedestrian walkway that leads to the Lighthouse.

• By public transportation: From the Brignole FS stop (near the hotel), take bus line 20 in the direction of “Fiumara” and get off at the Dinegro/Terminal Traghetti stop. From there, follow the signs to the pedestrian walkway leading to the Lighthouse. 

• By taxi: You can ask the hotel staff to call a taxi. The ride to the Ferry Terminal takes about 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic.

Regardless of the means you choose, the last stretch to the Lighthouse is walkable only via the elevated pedestrian walkway that overlooks the harbor docks, offering a unique view of the harbor's activities.