Name and Location

The Ainažu Vecā Bāka, also known as the Ainaži Old Lighthouse, is located in the picturesque town of Ainaži, Latvia, on the western shore of the Gulf of Riga.

Construction and History

In 1874, the Russian Empire commissioned the construction of this lighthouse to improve navigation and reduce accidents in the Gulf of Riga. The tower was designed to serve as a visual aid for mariners, providing a reliable reference point for navigating the waters. As one of Latvia's oldest lighthouses, it has played a crucial role in the country's maritime history.

Architecture and Materials

The structure itself is a charming example of late 19th-century architecture, with a striking white tower standing at an impressive 22 meters (72 feet) in height. The lighthouse's foundation is built on a strong stone base, ensuring stability and durability despite the harsh Baltic Sea climate.

Light and Navigation

The Ainažu Vecā Bāka features an Iso white light with a range of 12 kilometers (7.5 miles). The lighthouse is equipped with a fourth-order Fresnel lens, which produces a distinct beam that can be seen from up to 229 degrees.

Accessibility and Visiting

The lighthouse remains an important landmark for mariners and sailors, as well as a popular tourist attraction for those interested in maritime history and architecture.

Notable Views and Landscape

Unfortunately, no notable views or landscape information is available.

Anecdotes and Folklore

No anecdotes or folklore are documented regarding the Ainažu Vecā Bāka.

Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse has undergone several restorations and renovations throughout its history, including a significant refurbishment in the early 20th century. Today, it remains an important landmark for mariners and sailors.

Further Information

• * United States National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (US NGA)
• * OpenStreetMap (OSM) data
• * Wikidata (Q19891960)