Farol do Piambo

The Farol do Piambo is a historic lighthouse located on the coast of Angola.

History

• The Farol do Piambo was constructed in 1912, as part of a series of coastal defenses to protect the country's ports from maritime threats. The lighthouse has played an important role in guiding mariners and fishermen through the challenging waters off the Angolan coast.

Architecture

The Farol do Piambo is a distinctive structure, built with reinforced concrete and featuring a striking white exterior. The tower stands at 25 meters (82 feet) tall, while the focal height reaches 30 meters (98 feet). The lighthouse's design is characteristic of early 20th-century coastal defenses.

Light Characteristics

The Farol do Piambo features a fixed light with a red sector lamp, which emits a beam that can be seen for up to 10 nautical miles. The light pattern is a rotating sector, indicating the direction of safe passage through the harbor.

Current Status

The Farol do Piambo remains an active aid to navigation, although it has been automated since its decommissioning as a manned lighthouse in the 1990s. Today, the structure serves as a museum and popular tourist destination.

Location and Accessibility

The Farol do Piambo is situated on the coast of Angola, approximately 10 kilometers (6 miles) north of the city of Lobito. The location can be accessed via a paved road, which leads to a parking area near the lighthouse. Visitors can walk up to the tower for stunning views of the surrounding coastline.

Heritage Status

The Farol do Piambo has been recognized as a national monument in Angola, reflecting its importance as a historic landmark and aid to navigation.

Notable Historical Events

• During World War II, the Farol do Piambo played a significant role in the Allied naval blockade of German-occupied Angola. The lighthouse's strategic location made it an important target for enemy forces, who attempted to destroy the structure to disrupt maritime traffic.