Faro Massolivieri
Faro Punta Castelluccio, Via del Faro Massolivieri, 96100 Siracusa SR, Italy
Name and Location
Faro Massolivieri, also known locally as Faro Punta Castelluccio, is an active coastal lighthouse marking Punta Castelluccio on the eastern shore of Sicily, Italy. It is located in Siracusa (Free municipal consortium of Syracuse), Region: Sicilia, Country: Italy.
Coordinates:
37.0425709 N, 15.302586 E
Construction and History
The exact year built and architect are unknown. The construction era and style are also unavailable.
Architecture and Materials
The structure is likely a masonry or concrete tower with a lantern. Height above ground and focal height above sea level are not available.
Light and Navigation
The light characteristic, range, lens type, and paint scheme are not publicly reported. The lighthouse aids coastal shipping, fishing boats, and pleasure craft entering the Gulf of Syracuse.
Accessibility and Visiting
Public access to the tower and lantern is restricted. Visitors can reach the surrounding headland by car or on foot: from Siracusa take Via Elorina/Via del Faro Massolivieri toward the coast (approx. 7 km, 15 min) or walk along coastal footpaths from nearby hamlets.
Notable Views and Landscape
The site offers panoramic views over the Ionian Sea, especially at sunrise/sunset. Coastal rock formations, small sea caves, and drone photography opportunities are also available.
Anecdotes and Folklore
Named "Massolivieri" in honor of an Italian naval officer or local benefactor, the origin is unconfirmed. No major shipwrecks have been recorded immediately offshore, but the stretch of coast has a long fishing-boat tradition.
Technical and Operational Details
The lighthouse is managed by Marina Militare (Italian Navy) Servizio Fari and operates automatedly without a resident keeper. It does not use AIS/Radar, but is referenced on Italian nautical charts (e.g., Istituto Idrografico della Marina).
Further Information
- * Marina Militare – Elenco Fari (annual lighthouse directory)
- * Istituto Idrografico della Marina – Nautical Charts series (Golfo di Siracusa)
- * Syracuse Tourism Board: www.comunesiracusa.it (visitor information)
Details
| Name | Faro Massolivieri |
|---|---|
| City | Siracusa |
| Country | Italy |
| Coordinates | 37.0425709, 15.302586 |
| Historic significance | named ‘Massolivieri’ in honor of an Italian naval officer or local benefactor |
| Keeper stories | before automation was likely staffed by a two-man team rotating weekly (common practice mid-20th century) |
| Stories | no major shipwrecks recorded immediately offshore |
| Access description | by car or on foot: from Siracusa take Via Elorina/Via del Faro Massolivieri toward the coast (approx. 7 km, 15 min) or coastal footpaths from nearby hamlets (approx. 1–2 km trails) |
| Landscape type | rocky coast, small sea caves visible from the headland |
| View description | panorama over the Ionian Sea, especially at sunrise/sunset |
| Facilities | bring water and sun protection |
| Nearby attractions | ["Neapolis Archaeological Park","Porto Piccolo and Ortigia Island","Natural coves and small beaches accessible by local roads"] |
| Automated | true |