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Columbus Lighthouse

building, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Also known as: Faro a Colón

Quick Summary

The Columbus Lighthouse (Faro a Colón) is a monument located in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. It is a significant structure that reputedly houses the remains of Christopher Columbus. The lighthouse's construction is part of the history of lighthouse building, which saw advancements in materials like concrete and steel, especially for structures in the open sea. Medieval lighthouses, which predated modern construction, often burned wood, coal, or torches, with oil lamps and candles also being used. The Columbus Lighthouse is situated in a city with a rich history, as Santo Domingo was founded in 1496 and is the oldest permanent European-established city in the Western Hemisphere. The historic district of Santo Domingo was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1990.123

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