Faro Cabo de Hornos

Location and Accessibility

The Faro Cabo de Hornos is situated on Cape Horn, Chile, in the Magallanes and Chilean Antarctica Region.

The lighthouse is easily accessible by land, located near the town of Cape Horn.

History

The Faro Cabo de Hornos was constructed in 1930 to serve as a navigational aid for mariners approaching the treacherous waters of Cape Horn.

The tower's design and construction were influenced by the Chilean Navy's need for a reliable and efficient lighthouse system.

Architecture

The Faro Cabo de Hornos is a 40-meter-tall (131 ft) concrete tower with a distinctive shape, designed to withstand the harsh Antarctic climate.

The structure features a cylindrical body topped by a lantern room containing a first-order Fresnel lens.

The light source is a white rotating beam with a range of approximately 7 nautical miles.

Light Characteristics

The Faro Cabo de Hornos emits a Fl (flash) pattern, visible from a distance of 40 meters.

The light's period is 12 seconds, and it operates at a height of 40 meters above sea level.

Current Status

The Faro Cabo de Hornos remains an active aid to navigation, although its operation has been automated in recent years.

The lighthouse continues to serve as a vital navigational aid for mariners approaching Cape Horn.

Heritage Status

The Faro Cabo de Hornos is listed on the Chilean National Register of Historic and Cultural Monuments (Monumentos Nacionales).

This recognition acknowledges the lighthouse's historical significance and importance in the country's maritime heritage.

Notable Historical Events

• During World War II, the Faro Cabo de Hornos played a crucial role as a navigational aid for Allied forces.
• The lighthouse also served as a communication hub between Chilean naval vessels and international shipping routes.

Faro Cabo de Hornos stands as a testament to Chile's rich maritime history and its dedication to providing reliable navigation aids in the treacherous waters of Cape Horn.