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Lingao Lighthouse, China – 2025
Standing as the oldest lighthouse in the Hainan Province on Hainan Island, Lingao Lighthouse (built 1894) is a fascinating example of how a heritage lighthouse can be celebrated through innovative tourism ventures, good conservation, clever design technology and educational endeavours.
China MSA and Ministry of Transport, documents and regulations for the management of historical lighthouses underpin concentrated efforts to maintain, repair and protect heritage sites. This work is exemplified in the continued care given to Lingao Lighthouse and its unique features – most notably the rotating lantern which continues in operation.
A unique cultural aspect to Lingao Lighthouse is its position within a larger Lighthouse Park complex – known as the Lingao Lighthouse Liberation Park. Comprised of four themes, the park explores and celebrates the different centuries of lighthouse use with an on-site presentation on the history of the tower and displays of artefacts. The lighthouse and its larger park is an intriguing look at just how inventive lighthouse tourism can be.
Lingao Lighthouse itself is open to educational visits, where members of school groups, maritime institutions, and government organisations can visit the lighthouse free of charge by appointment. The lighthouse opens up to the general public on World Navigation Day and World AtoN Day, and media outlets have centred on Lingao Lighthouse in recent years, cementing it in popular culture.
Wider context also contributes to Lingao Lighthouse’s heritage value. Considered a ‘pearl’ in a necklace chain of 24 lighthouses located around the shores of Hainan Island, the tower forms one of numerous historic sites along the Hainan Round-Island highway loop. Visitors are encouraged to visit the island and travel along this highway route to uncover the history and natural beauty of the region.
These integrated approaches to conservation, tourism, education, landscape and history make Lingao Lighthouse a truly special heritage lighthouse!
Faro di Genova ‘Lanterna’, Italy – 2024
The “Lanterna” is the world’s third oldest operational lighthouse. Rising 77m above its 40m high rock, it was for a long time the highest lighthouse in the world and remains the highest lighthouse in the Mediterranean Sea, and the second highest in Europe. By coincidence or design, there are precisely 365 steps to the top!
Built for the first time in 1128, the original tower Lanterna was partially destroyed during the Genoese, rebellion against France and then rebuilt in its current form in 1543. As with any lighthouse of this age, a wide variety of technologies have had their time and space within Lanterna – and the tower and its museum continue to tell that story. Whilst accommodating change, the lighthouse remains exceptionally well conserved with a well developed program of maintenance. It retains its rotating system with Fresnel lenses dating all the way back to 1840.
The tower dominates the skyline and its height combined with its longevity has made it a truly iconic feature of Genoa and its ancient port. For hundreds of years it has been the first site greeting visitors to the city. Today, it is more than ever connected with the life and culture of the Genoa. A highly developed website offers all sorts of perspectives and a Virtual Tour of the lighthouse. The tower is lit up different colours to represent various celebrations or commemorations and a calendar is provided to show which colours represent which event – yet another way that this tower is so highly integrated into the wider culture of the city and beyond.
Adjacent to the tower and part of the same complex are elements of the city walls and defensive system which contain the “Museo della Lanterna’ This museum covers (amongst other things) the history of navigation and navigational aids in Genoa, and describing various signalling systems that have been used at sea. Part of a Fresnel lens, similar to that found in the lighthouse itself, is shown in such a manner as to display its inner workings.
An incredible history, great efforts in conservation, international significant, high local cultural value and innovation are what IALA HLY is all about. Lanterna has each an amble quantity!
Cap Spartel Lighthouse, Morocco – 2023
Cap Spartel Lighthouse, Morocco
IALA Heritage Lighthouse of the Year – 2023
Homigot Lighthouse, Republic of Korea – 2022
Homigot Lighthouse, Republic of Korea
IALA Heritage Lighthouse of the Year – 2022
Cape Byron Lighthouse, Australia – 2021
Cape Byron Lighthouse, Australia
IALA Heritage Lighthouse of the Year – 2021
Santo Antônio da Barra Lighthouse, Brazil – 2020
Santo Antônio da Barra Lighthouse, Brazil
IALA Heritage Lighthouse of the Year – 2020
Cordouan Lighthouse, France – 2019
Cordouan Lighthouse, France
IALA Heritage Lighthouse of the Year – 2019