Name and Location

The Rovinj Harbour Lighthouse (Šetalište braće Gnot) is located at Šetalište braće Gnot 49 in Rovinj, Istria County, Croatia. The lighthouse marks the western edge of Rovinj's harbour promenade.

Construction and History

The Rovinj Harbour Lighthouse is believed to date from the early to mid-20th century, but the exact year of construction is not documented in surviving sources. The light serves as an important local aid to navigation and a popular viewpoint for visitors strolling along the sea.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse has a utilitarian concrete-post design typical of small Yugoslav-era harbour lights. It is constructed from reinforced concrete with steel lantern housing.

Light and Navigation

The Rovinj Harbour Lighthouse marks the western breakwater of Rovinj harbour, serving as an aid to navigation for vessels entering or leaving the port. The light characteristic is not officially published in widely available sources, but local notices suggest a simple flashing white or green sector light. The nominal range is likely 3-5 nautical miles.

Accessibility and Visiting

The exterior and base of the tower are freely accessible at all hours. However, the lantern room is closed to the public. There are no ticket office or visitor centre on site. Benches and a short handrail-lined approach provide seating and safety for photographers and sightseers.

Notable Views and Landscape

Perched on a granite-and-dolomite breakwater, the lighthouse commands panoramic views of the western Adriatic Sea and offshore islets (e.g., Crveni Otok). Visitors can also see Rovinj's red-roofed skyline, dominated by the baroque spire of St. Euphemia.

Anecdotes and Folklore

Local fishermen and evening-strollers often pause here to exchange news of the day. The site appears in numerous local photographers' portfolios, especially for its framing of sunsets over the sea.

Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse is fully automated and has no keeper's quarters or on-site staff. Its technical specifications include an estimated structure height of 6-8 meters above base level, with a focal plane roughly 7 meters above water level.

Further Information

For further reading, please consult the Croatian Notices to Mariners, Coastal Safety Directorate publications, OpenStreetMap way/265386061, and "List of Lighthouses in Croatia," Croatian Lighthouse Society.