Фар Свети Иван (St. Ivan Lighthouse)

The St. Ivan Lighthouse, also known as Far Sveti Ivan, is a historic lighthouse located in Kraybrezhna, Sozopol, Bulgaria.

History

• The construction of the lighthouse began in 1892 and was completed in 1895 by Bulgarian architect Dimitar Mitev.

Architecture

The St. Ivan Lighthouse stands at a height of 44 meters (144 feet) above sea level, with a focal height of 56 meters (184 feet). The tower is made of limestone and features a distinctive octagonal shape. The lighthouse's architectural style is characteristic of the late 19th-century Bulgarian Revival architecture.

Light Characteristics

• The St. Ivan Lighthouse emits a white light with a range of 18 nautical miles.
• Pattern: Fl (first order)
• Sequence: 0.5+(2)+0.5+(7)
• Character: Fl
• Colour: White
• Period: 10 seconds

Current Status

The St. Ivan Lighthouse is currently an active aid to navigation, although it has been automated since the 1990s.

Location and Accessibility

The St. Ivan Lighthouse is located in Kraybrezhna, Sozopol, Bulgaria, on the Black Sea coast. The lighthouse can be accessed via a short walk from the nearby town of Sozopol.

Heritage Status

The St. Ivan Lighthouse has been recognized as a cultural monument of national importance in Bulgaria and is listed on the Bulgarian Register of Cultural Heritage.

Notable Historical Events

• 1895: The St. Ivan Lighthouse was officially opened to maritime traffic.
• 1912-1913: During the Balkan Wars, the lighthouse played an important role as a navigation aid for ships in the Black Sea.
• 1944: The lighthouse suffered significant damage during World War II due to Allied bombing raids.