Name and Location

Ilha Rata Lighthouse, located at 5JP7+V8 Fernando de Noronha - State of Pernambuco, Brazil, stands on a small island off the coast of Fernando de Noronha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Construction and History

The Ilha Rata Lighthouse was built in 1778, during the Portuguese colonial era. This makes it one of the oldest lighthouses in Brazil.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse is built in a White quadrangular masonry tower style, typical of 18th-century Portuguese colonial architecture. The structure is made of local limestone and features a distinctive white color. It stands at a height of 69 meters (223 ft), with a focal height of 63 meters (206 ft).

Light and Navigation

The original light characteristic was Fl (3) W 15s, indicating that the light displayed three flashes every 15 seconds. Although no longer operational for navigation, the lighthouse's light remains an iconic symbol of Fernando de Noronha.

Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can access the Ilha Rata Lighthouse museum and enjoy the surrounding views. The site offers limited facilities, including a small parking area and a visitor center. The museum is open Monday to Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, with guided tours available upon request.

Notable Views and Landscape

From the top of the lighthouse, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, the surrounding islands, and the unique ecosystem of Fernando de Noronha. The area is characterized by coral reefs, tropical forests, and sandy beaches.

Anecdotes and Folklore

There are no specific local folklore or unique anecdotes associated with the Ilha Rata Lighthouse.

Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse was originally manually operated by keepers until its automation in unknown date. Today, it is no longer operational for navigation purposes.

Further Information

• * Brazilian Lighthouses Database: https://www.brazilianlighthouses.com/
• * Wikipedia: Ilha Rata Lighthouse: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ilha_Rata_Lighthouse