A lighthouse or beacon, especially a large and prominent one.

Origin: The word 'φάρος' originates from Ancient Greek, specifically from the name of the island of Pharos, where the famous Lighthouse of Alexandria was located. This lighthouse was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The term 'pharos' came to denote any lighthouse or beacon.
Historical and Cultural Context: The Lighthouse of Alexandria, built around 280 BCE, was a marvel of engineering and served as a prototype for subsequent lighthouse designs. It symbolized safety and guidance for sailors navigating the treacherous waters of the Mediterranean.
Evolution: Over time, 'φάρος' became synonymous with lighthouses in general. The term was adopted into Latin as 'pharus', which influenced the development of similar terms in various languages, such as 'faro' in Spanish and Italian.
Modern Relevance: Today, 'φάρος' is used in Greek to refer to any lighthouse. The concept of a lighthouse as a guiding beacon has also been metaphorically extended to other contexts, symbolizing guidance and hope.

The Lighthouse of Alexandria stood approximately 100 meters tall, making it one of the tallest man-made structures in the world for many centuries.