What's the oldest lighthouse standing today?

What's the oldest lighthouse standing today?

Though it's not known for sure, the Tower of Hercules (pictured here) dates back to Roman times.


Asked by: Kerry Waters, by email

Probably the Tower of Hercules lighthouse, which dates back to Roman times and stands on a headland near the city of La Coruna on Spain's northwestern coast. The original Roman lighthouse - called a pharos - was built in the 2nd century AD, with a spiral wooden ramp up the outside for fuel to be carried for burning at the top.

Subscribe to BBC Focus magazine for fascinating new Q&As every month and follow @sciencefocusQA on Twitter for your daily dose of fun science facts.

© Getty Images