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Phare de la Caravelle

Phare de la Caravelle, La Trinité 97220, Martinique

Name and Location

The Phare de la Caravelle lighthouse is located on the island of Martinique in the Caribbean Sea. It stands out for its architectural beauty and importance in maritime navigation.

Construction and History

Built in 1861, this historic landmark has been guiding sailors and ships through the waters of the Caribbean Sea for over 160 years. The lighthouse was recognized as a historic landmark by the French Ministry of Culture in 2013 and is listed on the French National Heritage Register (PA97200033) and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) register (110-14932).

Architecture and Materials

The Phare de la Caravelle is a yellow square tower with a white lantern, standing at an impressive height of 14 meters (46 feet). Its unique design features a horizontal color pattern of white and red stripes, making it a distinctive landmark in the region. The lighthouse's foundation is built on a rocky outcrop, ensuring stability despite the harsh marine environment.

Light and Navigation

The Phare de la Caravelle is equipped with a powerful light that shines bright white, emitting a characteristic sequence of Fl (3) W 15s (every 15 seconds for three periods). This distinctive pattern serves as a beacon for vessels navigating through the surrounding waters. The light has a range of approximately 22 kilometers (14 miles), covering a sector from 113 to 345 degrees.

Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can access the Phare de la Caravelle by following the Route Sans Nom in La Trinité, Martinique. The lighthouse is open to the public, offering a glimpse into its rich history and stunning architecture.

Technical and Operational Details

Further Information

For more information about the Phare de la Caravelle, please visit its Wikipedia page: https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phare_de_La_Caravelle.

Details

NamePhare de la Caravelle
City
CountryMartinique
Coordinates14.7723565, -60.8818944
Year of construction1861
Historic significancepreserving maritime history and supporting navigation
Tower height14
Access descriptionfollow the Route Sans Nom in La Trinité
Accessibletrue
Guided tourstrue
Light characteristic"Fl(3)W.15s"
Light range22
Automatedtrue