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Faro Capo d'Orso

5CGC+QP, 07020 Palau, Province of Sassari, Italy

Name and Location

The Faro Capo d'Orso is a historic lighthouse located on the northwestern coast of Sardinia, Italy. It sits atop a rocky promontory, offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and surrounding landscape.

2. Construction and History

The Faro Capo d'Orso was constructed in 1854 during the Italian unification era. Designed by an unknown architect, the lighthouse is an exemplary example of neoclassical architecture, featuring a cylindrical tower with a white façade and a distinctive red roof.

3. Architecture and Materials

The structure stands at a height of 12 meters (39 feet) above sea level. The Faro Capo d'Orso's architecture and materials are characterized by its neoclassical style, with a white façade and a red roof.

4. Light and Navigation

The lighthouse is equipped with a white light that emits every 3 seconds, flashing 1-2 times followed by 10 seconds of darkness. This characteristic sequence helps distinguish the lighthouse from others in the region.

5. Accessibility and Visiting

Although no longer an active aid to navigation, the Faro Capo d'Orso remains an important cultural landmark and tourist attraction. Visitors can access the structure through a nearby coastal path, offering stunning views of the surrounding coastline. The lighthouse is open to visitors during daylight hours, but please note that entrance restrictions may apply.

6. Notable Views and Landscape

The Faro Capo d'Orso offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and surrounding landscape.

7. Anecdotes and Folklore

The Faro Capo d'Orso has played a significant role in local maritime history, serving as a beacon for vessels navigating the treacherous coastline. In 1885, a notable shipwreck occurred nearby, with the lighthouse playing a crucial role in rescuing survivors.

8. Technical and Operational Details

According to available records, the lighthouse was automated in the mid-20th century. The International Association of Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) lists the lighthouse as reference E 0992.

9. Further Information

The Faro Capo d'Orso has been recognized as a historical landmark and is protected by local authorities. You can view the location on Google Maps here: https://www.google.com/maps/place/41.1725,9.4264.

Details

NameFaro Capo d'Orso
City
CountryItaly
Coordinates41.1776714, 9.4231701
Year of construction1854
Eventsshipwreck occurred nearby in 1885
Historic significanceimportant cultural landmark and tourist attraction
Storiesplayed a significant role in local maritime history, served as a beacon for vessels navigating the treacherous coastline
Architectural styleneoclassical
Architectunknown
Tower height12
Heritage statustrue
Renovationsautomated in the mid-20th century
Access descriptioncoastal path
Accessibletrue
Landscape typerocky coast
View descriptionbreathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and surrounding landscape
Guided tourstrue
Facilitiestoilets, café, gift shop
Opening hoursdaylight hours
Nearby attractionsrocky promontory
AIS Radartrue
Light characteristicwhite light that emits every 3 seconds, flashing 1-2 times followed by 10 seconds of darkness
Automatedtrue