Lighthouse of Genoa (La Lanterna) Tours
La Lanterna, Genoa’s towering stone lighthouse, has been guiding ships into port since medieval times. It stands proudly at 250 feet (76 meters) in height, making it the second-tallest masonry lighthouse in the world. After admiring the stellar views, visit the adjacent Lantern Museum, which covers the history of Genoa and its Old Port.
The Basics
The original lighthouse was built in 1128 but sustained much war-related damage over the centuries. La Lanterna that you see today was renovated in 1543, making it one of the world’s oldest standing structures, and still serves at the city’s main lighthouse. You can climb the 172 stairs to the first observation terrace for panoramic views of Genoa’s historic city center and the harbor.
Things to Know Before You Go
- La Lanterna is a must-visit for lighthouse and maritime enthusiasts.
- Due to the amount of walking, guests are advised to wear sturdy footwear must be in good physical condition to climb the stairs.
- While the lighthouse museum is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, there is no elevator to access the observation terrace within the structure.
How to Get There
La Lanterna is in Genoa’s Sampierdarena neighborhood and can be accessed only on foot. From the Via Di Francia train station, walk about 30 minutes or take the metro to Dinegro, just 15 minutes from the lighthouse. Free parking is available at the ferry terminal for up to 2.5 hours and is only a half-mile walk (800 meters) to the lighthouse.
When to Get There
The lighthouse is best visited on a clear day, when there are unobstructed views of the city and harbor. Visitors are allowed only on weekends and holidays in the afternoon, so plan to visit after a stroll around the Porto Antico and a nice lunch to fuel you up for the walk.
The Museo della Lanterna
Dive deep into the history of this ancient lighthouse with a visit to the Lantern Museum. The single-room structure is full of stories and artifacts detailing Genoa’s legendary maritime history. See how the lighthouse was powered before the invention of electricity, and discover various signaling systems that have been used at sea.
Address: Rampa della Lanterna, Genoa 16126, Italy
Admission: Varies
Admission Tickets (1)
Skip the Line: Single ticket to visit the Open Air Museum, Museum, Lighthouse
Visit the ancient fortifications, the nineteenth-century gate of Genova da Ponente and the Lanterna, symbol of the city since 1128.
Enjoy the view of the city from the panoramic terrace of the lighthouse which, after the tower of Hercules in La Coruna, is the oldest still operating in the world.
At 77 meters high, it is the tallest lighthouse in the Mediterranean and the second in Europe.
The monument dates back to at least 1128, according to the most widespread date by historians, almost 9 centuries of history that make her the second oldest lighthouse in the world still functioning.
The reconstruction of 1543 only partially affected the upper part of the tower.
At that time it was on the walls and leads to the west of the city while today, inside the fortifications, there is a museum on the history of the Lantern and which illustrates how a lighthouse works.
In 2001 a pedestrian walkway was built to make the Lantern more accessible by connecting the Ferry Terminal to the lighthouse with a section that runs along Via Milano.
…More
From
$7.40
From
$7.40
5 Tours and Activities to Experience Lighthouse of Genoa (La Lanterna)
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Skip the Line: Single ticket to visit the Open Air Museum, Museum, Lighthouse
Visit the ancient fortifications, the nineteenth-century gate of Genova da Ponente and the Lanterna, symbol of the city since 1128.
Enjoy the view of the city from the panoramic terrace of the lighthouse which, after the tower of Hercules in La Coruna, is the oldest still operating in the world.
At 77 meters high, it is the tallest lighthouse in the Mediterranean and the second in Europe.
The monument dates back to at least 1128, according to the most widespread date by historians, almost 9 centuries of history that make her the second oldest lighthouse in the world still functioning.
The reconstruction of 1543 only partially affected the upper part of the tower.
At that time it was on the walls and leads to the west of the city while today, inside the fortifications, there is a museum on the history of the Lantern and which illustrates how a lighthouse works.
In 2001 a pedestrian walkway was built to make the Lantern more accessible by connecting the Ferry Terminal to the lighthouse with a section that runs along Via Milano.
…More
From
$7.40
From
$7.40
Old Port bike Tour
Hop on a bicycle and explore Genoa’s historic centre with us.
You will encounter an urban city towards Art and Architecture, from the Middle Ages to the Modern Era. It has never been so easy and fun to discover Genoa by bike, so don't miss the opportunity and visit us.
Bring your own camera to record everything. We will stop in a few important sites, very appreciated and visited by those who love sightseeing and breathtaking canvas.
This tour was developed especially for those who cannot abandon a bicycle and really want to take a different and unique tour throughout Genoa’s downtown.
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From
$80.03
From
$80.03
Best of Genoa private walking tour
Genoa is one of the most charming and beautiful cities in Italy. Art, food, and beautiful streets make it a must-see destination if you are in Italy! Its historical center is the largest in Europe and you will enjoy seeing the ancient and renaissance buildings, which display the virtue of the history of this city.
Meet your guide at Genoa Cruise Ship Port or in the lobby of your hotel.
Your guide will take you to the oldest part of the historic center of Genoa. You will see all main sights: Via Garibaldi, De Ferrari Square, Columbus’ house, and the medieval alleyways between the cathedral and the old port.
In the end, your guide will leave you in one of the restaurants to enjoy the local cuisine or accompany you on your way back to your hotel or port.
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From
$334.00
Price varies by group size
From
$334.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Full-Day private tour of Portofino and Genoa
Portofino is an exclusive and elegant tourist resort visited by all the celebrities of the 20th century. This town is located in a beautiful bay, which is protected from the sea. Portofino deserves more attention, walk through the city, climb up the hill to the old castle, where opens a breathtaking view of the entire Ligurian coast. All the most beautiful things in this city must be viewed from above.
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From
$600.00
Price varies by group size
From
$600.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Grand tour of Genoa, medieval and modern town
According to many tourists' opinions, Genoa is a city like no other. During this tour, you will get the most complete picture of this amazing city. We will drive through the most interesting and elegant areas, each of which has its own unique look and architecture.
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From
$534.00
Price varies by group size
From
$534.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
I TAKE YOU to the Lantern - classic tour
The tour makes you understand the history, the development, the value of the ancient port of Genoa and its lighthouse. The professional guide simplifies the understanding of the almost 900 years of Lanterna history and its meaning for the city and for the Genoese.
Given the particularity of the site, with the 17th century walls, the fortifications, the stairs to the panoramic belvedere, the accompaniment of the guide facilitates the experience and makes it unique.
Booking on this channel provides "skip the line" service and guarantees availability.
Group visit only in Italian every last Sunday of the month from September to June.
Visit with private guide, in Italian or English, on request from Tuesday to Sunday.
Visit combined with other experiences in the city.
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From
$61.68
From
$61.68
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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