Columbus Lighthouse
Ozama
The Columbus Lighthouse, or Faro a Colón, is a monumental mausoleum and museum located in Santo Domingo Este, Dominican Republic. Designed by Scottish architect Joseph Lea Gleave in 1931 and completed in 1992, the structure is shaped like a vast cross measuring 680 by 195 feet, symbolizing the Christianization of the Americas. Its 157 beams of light form a powerful cross visible from neighboring Puerto Rico and even space. The monument purportedly houses remains of Christopher Columbus, though this claim remains unconfirmed due to lack of DNA testing on-site. Inside, the lighthouse also serves as a museum showcasing cultural artifacts from Latin America and other continents, including a Cuban boat and Colombian jewelry. Each year on Columbus Day, visitors can view the explorer's remains displayed behind glass in the crypt. The monument is a prominent symbol of the quincentennial celebration of Columbus's voyage and reflects a collective effort by Latin American countries to honor this historical figure.
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Astuce: Visitors are advised to plan their visit around Columbus Day when the explorer's remains are displayed in the crypt. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended due to the monument's popularity. The best time to visit is during clear evenings to witness the impressive cross-shaped light beams. Discounts may be available for students and seniors. Guided tours provide deeper insight into the exhibitions and the monument's history.
Faits intéressants
- •The lighthouse emits 157 beams of light that form a cross visible from Puerto Rico and space.
- •The monument's cross shape symbolizes the Christianization of the Americas.
- •Though Dominican authorities claim Columbus's remains are housed here, DNA tests confirm some remains are in Seville, Spain.
- •The monument was funded by Latin American states at a cost of approximately US$70 million.
- •The design was selected from a competition with 455 participants from 48 countries, judged by renowned architects including Frank Lloyd Wright.
Histoire
The idea of erecting a monument honoring Christopher Columbus in Santo Domingo dates back to 1852, proposed by historian Antonio Delmonte y Tejada.
In 1914, American Pulliam William Ellis promoted the concept internationally.
The project gained formal support in 1923 at the Fifth International Conference in Chile, encouraging cooperation among American states.
Scottish architect Joseph Lea Gleave won the 1931 design competition among 455 entries.
Construction began with foundation work in 1948 but was halted due to political instability.
It resumed in 1986 under Dominican architect Teófilo Carbonell and was completed in 1992 to coincide with the 500th anniversary of Columbus's voyage.
Since then, it has functioned as both a mausoleum and a museum of cultural heritage.
Guide du lieu
The Cross-Shaped Structure1931
The main architectural feature representing the Christianization of the Americas, made of reinforced concrete and measuring 680 by 195 feet, visible from afar especially at night when illuminated.
Light Beams
157 powerful beams of light project from the monument, creating a luminous cross visible from neighboring Puerto Rico and space, serving as a symbolic lighthouse.
Museum Exhibitions
Permanent exhibitions from Latin American, European, and Asian countries showcasing cultural artifacts such as a Cuban boat and Colombian jewelry, emphasizing the shared heritage of the Americas.
Crypt with Columbus's Remains
The mausoleum crypt where remains believed by Dominican authorities to be those of Christopher Columbus are kept, displayed publicly once a year on Columbus Day.
Contact
Téléphone: (809) 591-4844
