Name and Location

The Capo Santa Maria di Leuca Lighthouse, also known as "Il Faro di Leuca," is a prominent coastal beacon located at the southern tip of the Salento peninsula in Italy. The lighthouse stands tall at Via Francesco Pireca, 73040 Santa Maria di Leuca (Castrignano del Capo), Province of Lecce, Apulia, Italy, with coordinates 39°47′45.23″N, 18°22′6.29″E.

Construction and History

The Capo Santa Maria di Leuca Lighthouse was constructed in the mid-19th century, designed by Captain Achille Rossi of the Regia Marina (Royal Navy). The tower took shape from 1864 to 1866, with its first light shining on June 15, 1866. This iconic structure was erected under the Bourbon monarchy and completed after Italian unification, consolidating the safety of merchant and military vessels rounding Salento's treacherous tip.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse tower is a sturdy, Neoclassical-style masonry structure with a double gallery, whitewashed exterior, standing at 47 meters tall. The attached building is a single-story keeper's quarters made from local Lecce limestone, now adapted to exhibition spaces. The focal height is an impressive 102 meters above sea level.

Light and Navigation

The Capo Santa Maria di Leuca Lighthouse has a Group flashing characteristic—Fl(3) W 15s (0.5 s flash + 2.5 s eclipse, three times in a 15 s period). The light range is approximately 24 nautical miles, shining with a white color. A radiobeacon was installed for non-visual navigation aid, and AIS is available through an on-site base station (MMSI 992471094).

Accessibility and Visiting

The lighthouse grounds are open daily, offering panoramic sea views free of charge. Access to the tower interior is limited; however, occasional guided-tour openings take place during high season (June–September). On-site facilities include an exhibition space within the former keeper's quarters, restrooms, and a panoramic terrace.

Notable Views and Landscape

The surrounding environment boasts dramatic limestone cliffs, Mediterranean scrub, and deep-blue sea. Visitors can enjoy a 360° panorama of both Adriatic and Ionian waters, offshore islets, and the town of Leuca. The area offers nearby attractions such as the Basilica di Santa Maria de Finibus Terrae (5-minute walk), Punta Ristola (southernmost tip) and coastal walking trails, and boat excursions to sea caves.

Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse has been fully automated since the 1970s. The managing authority is Marina Militare (Italian Navy), with a station code of 2176 E F (Marina Militare).