Farol da Ponta Moreia

The Farol da Ponta Moreia is situated on the Tarrafal Peninsula in Cape Verde, an island nation located off the coast of West Africa.

Location and Accessibility

• The lighthouse is easily accessible by road, with a parking area nearby.

The Farol da Ponta Moreia was constructed in 1915 as part of a series of coastal defenses to protect the islands from German naval raids during World War I.

History

• The lighthouse played a crucial role in guiding ships safely into the harbor of Tarrafal Bay.
• The Farol da Ponta Moreia was constructed as part of a series of coastal defenses to protect the islands from German naval raids during World War I.

Architecture and Construction Materials

The Farol da Ponta Moreia is a traditional Cape Verdean-style lighthouse, built using local materials such as stone and wood.

The tower stands at 20 meters (66 feet) tall, with a focal height of 30 meters (98 feet).

The light source is reportedly a first-order Fresnel lens.

Light Characteristics

• The Farol da Ponta Moreia emits a fixed white light, visible from a distance of approximately 10 nautical miles.
• The lighthouse's beam pattern is reportedly a circular rotation with a range of 20 nautical miles.

Current Status

The Farol da Ponta Moreia remains an active aid to navigation, although it has been automated in recent years.

The lighthouse continues to serve as a vital reference point for mariners and fishermen.

Heritage Status

The Farol da Ponta Moreia is listed on the Cape Verdean National Inventory of Cultural Heritage Sites, recognizing its historical significance as a coastal defense structure during World War I.

Notable Historical Events

• During World War II, the Farol da Ponta Moreia played a key role in guiding Allied forces safely into Tarrafal Bay.
• The lighthouse's beam was reportedly used to guide convoys of ships through the treacherous waters off Cape Verde.

Additional Information

The Farol da Ponta Moreia is an important landmark and cultural icon for the people of Cape Verde, representing their country's rich maritime history and resilience in the face of adversity.

Emphasis on Important Terms

World War I, World War II, and Cape Verdean National Inventory of Cultural Heritage Sites are notable historical events and terms mentioned in the text.