Name and Location

The Vecchio Faro (Old Lighthouse) stands at the eastern end of Lungomare Marin in Lignano Sabbiadoro, Italy. Its official name is Vecchio Faro, and it is also known as "Il Vecchio Faro di Lignano". The address is Lungomare Marin, 1, 33054 Lignano Sabbiadoro UD, Italy.

Construction and History

The exact construction date of the Vecchio Faro is unknown (likely late 19th or early 20th century), but it served as the main light guiding vessels into the Marano lagoon and the small port of Lignano. The lighthouse was decommissioned in the mid-20th century, replaced by a modern automated beacon.

Architecture and Materials

The Vecchio Faro is a freestanding tower with a square cross-section and a lantern room at the top. It stands 12 meters tall and is made of traditional masonry (stone and brick), rendered, and painted white.

Light and Navigation

The lighthouse's original characteristic was Fl(3) W 15s, but exact historic details remain unverified. The focal height and range are unknown, and it was likely converted to unmanned operation in the 1950s or replaced altogether.

Accessibility and Visiting

The grounds of the Vecchio Faro are freely accessible along the Lungomare Marin promenade at all times. However, the interior is not open to the public, and there are no guided tours available inside the lantern room.

Notable Views and Landscape

From the lighthouse, you can enjoy a stunning view of the Marano lagoon entrance and the Adriatic Sea horizon to the east, as well as Lignano's golden sand beaches, pinewood groves, and modern marina to the west. It is an ideal spot for sunset photography.

Anecdotes and Folklore

Local lore holds that the first keeper, "Nonno Aldo," maintained a small garden of bougainvillea at the tower's base, which has since been replaced by a paved plaza. A handful of summer storm shipwrecks in the 1930s prompted the upgrade to a stronger electric lamp.

Technical and Operational Details

The Vecchio Faro is decommissioned as a primary aid to navigation but may retain a small decorative or secondary light under Marina Militare supervision. The managing authority is the Italian Navy (Marina Militare) – Servizio Fari e Segnalamenti Marittimi.

Further Information

Gran Bosco della Salute, a pine forest park, is located 3 km west of the lighthouse. Lignano Pineta, an historic seaside neighborhood, is 1.5 km west. Marano Lagunare, a fishing village, can be reached by ferry from the port, approximately 10 km to the east.