Name and Location

San Cataldo Lighthouse, also known as Faro di San Cataldo, is a minor coastal light located in Piazza Adriano, 16, 73100 San Cataldo (Lecce), Apulia, Italy. The lighthouse serves vessels along the Adriatic shore immediately east of Lecce.

Construction and History

The construction date of San Cataldo Lighthouse is undocumented, but it marks a stretch of low coastline and helps guide small craft and fishing boats in and out of nearby inlets. Although its history is not well-documented, the lighthouse remains an active minor light on nautical charts of the Gulf of Taranto's northeastern corner.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse has a slender tower attached to a multi-storey service block, constructed using materials that are not documented. The structure stands at 23.30 meters above ground, with no information available on its original architect or detailed material records.

Light and Navigation

Unfortunately, many technical details about the light characteristic, range, and focal height are not published in widely accessible sources. It is likely that the lighthouse has a flashing white or green light, but this is unconfirmed. The equipment appears to be automated, with no permanent keeper's quarters occupied.

Accessibility and Visiting

The base and tower of San Cataldo Lighthouse are on property managed by the Coast Guard, making public access unavailable. Visitors may approach the external enclosure and photograph the tower from Piazza Adriano or the adjacent promenade. To reach the lighthouse, take SP11 toward San Cataldo from Lecce city center.

Notable Views and Landscape

From the top of the lighthouse (if accessible), one can enjoy views of the open Adriatic and the skyline of Lecce to the west. The surrounding landscape features a low, sandy shore punctuated by rocky outcrops, with small pebble beaches to the east.

Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse is managed by the Guardia Costiera – Capitaneria di Porto di San Cataldo (Port Authority, Lecce office). Its navigational role remains as an active minor light, serving vessels in the Gulf of Taranto's northeastern corner.

Further Information

For further reading, refer to OpenStreetMap entry (https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/268854715), Google Maps "Faro di San Cataldo" (https://goo.gl/maps/…), and official website of the Italian Coast Guard (www.guardiacostiera.gov.it).