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Columbus Lighthouse (Spanish: Faro a Colón, meaning "Lighthouse to Columbus") is a mausoleum monument to Christopher Columbus located in Santo Domingo Este, Dominican Republic.
Construction began in 1986, using plans drawn in 1931 by Scottish architect J.L. Gleave. In time for the 500th anniversary of Columbus's first voyage, the monument was inaugurated in 1992. It was funded by the Latin American states and the total cost of construction was approximately US$70 million.
The monument's lighthouse-style features projecting beams of light, forming a cross shape, which are so powerful that they can be seen from neighboring Puerto Rico.
The Columbus Lighthouse is a cross-shaped monument made of reinforced concrete, Its dimensions are 680 feet (210 m) by 195 feet (59 m).The cross represents the Christianization of the Americas. There are 157 beams of light that emanate towards the sky from the structure and a rotating beam, which can be seen from space.[citation needed]
According to the Dominican authorities, remains of Christopher Columbus are sheltered at the lighthouse. However, Spanish authorities have proved through DNA tests that the Cathedral of Seville contains the remains of Columbus. Researchers point out that this strong evidence does not exclude the possibility that the bones in Santo Domingo also belong to the explorer. The Dominican authorities have not allowed the same DNA tests to be done to the remains in the lighthouse, so it is impossible to know if any remains of Columbus are there. The monument is both a mausoleum and a museum showcasing objects, including a boat from Cuba and Colombian jewelry.
Once a year, on Columbus Day, the remains are displayed in their crypt (behind a sheet of glass).