The oldest lighthouse in Trieste is the so-called Lantern which looks out over the pier called Fratelli Bandiera and stands near the Scoglio dello Zucco (cliffs), to avoid which the ancient Romans had used an earlier system of warnings to help sailors. The structure, designed by Matteo Pertsch, is formed by a stone column and a crenellated, Maximilian tower. It was not only the symbol of the mercantile city, but also had a defensive function, positioned as it was at the entrance to the old port (Porto Vecchio), and for many years a cannon fired from the Lantern told the local citizens it was twelve o'clock mid-day. It was officially opened in 1833, but lost its original importance with the construction of the Faro della Vittoria (Victory Lighthouse) and was finally withdrawn from service in 1969, since when it has served only as a external light. Its wide, cylindrical base - which today is the headquarters of the Trieste branch of the Italian Naval Association - has recently been refurbished and turned into a themed library dedicated to the sea.

Point of interest
Until the last century, in addition to the Lantern there were two other Maximilian towers in Trieste - erected with the dual function of defence and the control of incoming ships - one at the entrance to the Lazzaretto di Santa Teresa and the other on the San Vito hill in the fortress of the same name.