The Faro a Colon, otherwise known as the Columbus Lighthouse, is a grand monument to the arrival of Christopher Columbus to the New World. This huge concrete construction does not look like a typical lighthouse, but resembles a mausoleum or a cross-shaped pyramid. Take a tour around the imposing façade, explore an in-house museum or climb to the monument’s peak for breathtaking views of Santo Domingo.
The Columbus Lighthouse was designed as early as 1931 by Scottish architect J.L. Gleave, but was not completed until 1992, just in time for the 500th anniversary of the discovery of the Americas. In total, this project cost $70 million to build.
A dominant 680-foot (210-meter) long concrete cross rises ten stories up in a step-like design that is reminiscent of a Mayan pyramid. Spend some time in the parklands that surround the Faro a Colon to appreciate and photograph its scale and grandeur.
Inside, browse the in-house museum that displays artifacts from the Americas, China and Spain. See artworks decorated in gold and silver. Admire replicas of the three ships that carried Columbus and his crew across the Atlantic and a chest that is said to contain the explorer’s bones.
Hire a local guide to show you around. Guides can take you to the lighthouse roof, where you’ll get great views of the Santo Domingo cityscape and beyond.
The monument is lit up at night for special occasions, such as during Carnival in February. Over 150 lights point straight up, forming a cross in the sky that can be seen as far away as Puerto Rico. Though this doesn’t happen often due to power constraints on the city, the lighthouse in action at night is one of Santo Domingo’s most impressive sights.
The Columbus Lighthouse is closed on Mondays. There’s a fee for admission. Pay extra for a local guide. You can reach the monument by taxi or local buses.
