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Faro Cabo Espíritu Santo

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Name and Location

The Faro Cabo Espíritu Santo is a historic lighthouse located at the southernmost tip of Argentina in the Patagonia region. Its coordinates are -52.6589607° S, -68.6068965° W.

Construction and History

Built in 1955, this iconic structure stands tall at an impressive height of 70 meters (230 feet) above sea level. Although its original purpose as a beacon for navigation remains unchanged, the lighthouse has been automated since the 1980s, allowing the Argentinian Coast Guard to focus on other important maritime responsibilities.

Architecture and Materials

The Faro Cabo Espíritu Santo's architectural style is characteristic of early 20th-century lighthouses. Constructed from reinforced concrete, the structure features a cylindrical tower with a lantern room housing the original Fresnel lens. The beacon itself emits a white light with a range of 23 nautical miles (43 kilometers), flashing every 15 seconds.

Light and Navigation

As a beacon for navigation, the Faro Cabo Espíritu Santo has played a crucial role in maritime rescue operations. Its light has guided numerous ships through treacherous waters, ensuring their safe passage and saving countless lives.

Accessibility and Visiting

Unfortunately, visitors cannot enter the lighthouse or climb its tower due to safety concerns and preservation efforts. However, it is still possible to observe the structure from a distance and take in its majestic beauty.

Notable Views and Landscape

  • From its vantage point, the Faro Cabo Espíritu Santo offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Patagonian landscape. On clear days, it's possible to see the Drake Passage and the Antarctic Peninsula in the distance.
  • The lighthouse is situated on a rugged coastline, surrounded by dense forests, glaciers, and ice fields.

Anecdotes and Folklore

According to local legend, the Faro Cabo Espíritu Santo has played a crucial role in maritime rescue operations. Its beacon has guided numerous ships through treacherous waters, ensuring their safe passage and saving countless lives.

Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse is maintained and operated by the Argentinian Coast Guard. Due to its remote location, the facility has been automated since the 1980s, reducing the need for human maintenance.

Further Information

For more information on the Faro Cabo Espíritu Santo, please visit https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faro_Cabo_Espíritu_Santo">this Wikipedia page.

Details

NameFaro Cabo Espíritu Santo
City
CountryArgentina
Coordinates-52.6589607, -68.6068965
Year of construction1955
EventsThe lighthouse was involved in several significant events throughout its history, including the rescue of a shipwrecked vessel during a stormy night in 1967.
StoriesAccording to local legend, the Faro Cabo Espíritu Santo has played a crucial role in maritime rescue operations.
Construction material"reinforced concrete"
Tower height70
Heritage statustrue
Access descriptionFollow the Ruta Nacional 3 (RN3) and then turn onto a dirt road that leads to the site.
Accessiblefalse
View descriptionBreathtaking views of the surrounding Patagonian landscape, with clear days allowing for a view of the Drake Passage and the Antarctic Peninsula in the distance.
Guided toursfalse
Nearby attractions["Tierra del Fuego National Park"]
AIS Radarfalse
Light characteristic"Fl(3)W.15s"
Light range23
Automatedtrue