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Capo Faro

Capo Faro, SP182, 98050 Malfa ME, Italy

Name and Location

Capo Faro Lighthouse is a significant landmark located on the southeastern coast of Sicily, Italy.

Construction and History

Built in 1864 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the unification of Italy, Capo Faro stands at an impressive 56 meters (183 feet) tall with a focal height of 58 meters (190 feet). The lighthouse was constructed using local limestone and has since been automated.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse features a distinctive tower with a cylindrical shape, blending medieval and Renaissance elements. It is made of local limestone, providing a sturdy foundation for this majestic structure.

Light and Navigation

Capo Faro serves as an important aid to navigation, providing a beacon for mariners approaching the Strait of Messina. The light characteristic is LFl (Lloyd's Flag) with a period of 6 seconds and a range of 18 nautical miles. The light is visible from 123° to 357°.

Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can access the lighthouse complex, which includes a small museum showcasing the history of navigation in the region. The surrounding area offers stunning views of the Strait of Messina and the surrounding landscape.

Notable Views and Landscape

The lighthouse is situated on a scenic coastline, providing breathtaking vistas of the Mediterranean Sea.

Anecdotes and Folklore

No anecdotes or folklore available for this section.

Technical and Operational Details

Capo Faro was initially operated manually by a keeper but has since been automated. Today, the light is powered by electricity and remains an important navigational aid for commercial and recreational vessels alike.

Further Information

For more information on Capo Faro Lighthouse, visit the Italian Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities website or consult US NGA Pub. 113, 2010-10-22.

Details

NameCapo Faro
City
CountryItaly
Coordinates38.5805907, 14.8713855
Year of construction1864
Storiesone of the most important lighthouses in the Mediterranean
Architectural stylemedieval and Renaissance
Construction materiallimestone
Focal height58
Tower height56
Heritage statustrue
Accessibletrue
Guided toursfalse
AIS Radartrue
Light characteristicLFl
Light range18
Automatedtrue