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Faro di Porto Ercole

Faro Porto Ercole, Via Panoramica, 58018 Porto Ercole GR, Italy

Name and Location

The Faro di Porto Ercole is a historic lighthouse located in the picturesque town of Porto Ercole, Italy, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

2. Construction and History

The Faro di Porto Ercole was constructed in 1832 and has played a crucial role in maritime history as one of the oldest lighthouses in Italy. Its location at the entrance to the Gulf of Gaeta makes it an essential aid for ships navigating the Mediterranean.

3. Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse stands at an impressive height of 91 meters (300 feet) above sea level, characterized by a distinctive white tower with a red lantern at its peak. The structure is a testament to the region's rich history and culture.

4. Light and Navigation

As a vital aid to navigation, the Faro di Porto Ercole is equipped with two distinct lights: one red and one white. The red light is visible for 13 nautical miles (24 kilometers), while the white light has a range of 16 nautical miles (30 kilometers). The lighthouse's period of flash is every seven seconds, with a sector start angle of 177 degrees and an end angle of 285 degrees.

5. Accessibility and Visiting

No additional information available.

6. Notable Views and Landscape

The surrounding landscape offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and the picturesque town of Porto Ercole.

7. Anecdotes and Folklore

No anecdotal or folkloric stories available.

8. Technical and Operational Details

In addition to its navigation aids, the Faro di Porto Ercole also houses a radio station, which transmits AIS signals (Automatic Identification System) on the frequency 161.975 MHz. The station's MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity) number is 992471032.

9. Further Information

Sources: US NGA Pub. 113 (2010-10-22), Wikidata: Q15786020, Wikipedia: it:Faro di Porto Ercole

Details

NameFaro di Porto Ercole
CityPorto Ercole
CountryItaly
Coordinates42.3900537, 11.2124745
Year of construction1832
Historic significanceplayed a crucial role in maritime history
Storiesplayed a crucial role in maritime history
Focal height91
Tower height91
AIS Radartrue
Light characteristicLFl (red) and LFl (white)
Light range{"13":"nautical miles","16":"nautical miles"}