CapSpartelLighthouse
Q3RG+9FX, Tangier, Morocco
Name and Location
Cap Spartel Lighthouse is located at the northernmost tip of Africa, situated in Tangier, Morocco, at coordinates [35.7910308, -5.9236482]. It stands proudly on the rocky coastline overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar.
Construction and History
The lighthouse was constructed between 1893 and 1898, with its original height being 49 meters (160 feet), later increased to its current height of 85 meters (279 feet). The tower's design is attributed to French architect Edouard Lafon, who also built the famous Eddystone Lighthouse in England.
Architecture and Materials
The Cap Spartel Lighthouse is an impressive example of late 19th-century architecture. Its square tower is made of stone and brick, with a central staircase leading to the lantern room. The lighthouse's design was influenced by the need for a robust structure that could withstand fierce Atlantic storms and strong sea currents.
Light and Navigation
The lighthouse's original light source was oil-powered, later converted to electricity in 1925. The light characteristic is Fl (3) W.15s, indicating three flashes of white light every 15 seconds. The beam reaches out a distance of approximately 25 kilometers (15.5 miles), providing vital guidance for vessels navigating the strait.
Accessibility and Visiting
Visitors can reach the lighthouse via Route Agla, which runs along the coast. The site is open to the public, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape and the Strait of Gibraltar.
Notable Views and Landscape
From the lighthouse's observation deck, visitors can take in the dramatic views of the strait, with the African mainland on one side and the Iberian Peninsula on the other. The panorama stretches out to the horizon, offering a glimpse into the rich maritime history that has shaped this region.
Anecdotes and Folklore
Unfortunately, no notable anecdotes or folklore about the lighthouse are available at this time.
Technical and Operational Details
The lighthouse's original light source was oil-powered, later converted to electricity in 1925. Automation took over from manual operation in the mid-20th century.
Further Information
- * Ministry of Culture, Morocco
- * UNESCO
- * Maritime authorities and historical records
Details
| Name | CapSpartelLighthouse |
|---|---|
| City | Tangier |
| Country | Morocco |
| Coordinates | 35.7910308, -5.9236482 |
| Year of construction | 1893-1898 |
| Events | significanthistoricaleventsinvolvingmaritimenavigation |
| Historic significance | vitalcomponentofthemaritimeinfrastructure |
| Keeper stories | dailylivesofthoseresponsibleforensuringmaritimesafety |
| Stories | richhistoryofkeeperswhomaintainedthelight |
| Architectural style | late19th-centuryarchitecture |
| Architect | EdouardLafon |
| Construction material | stoneandbrick |
| Focal height | 25kilometers(15.5miles) |
| Tower height | 85meters(279feet) |
| Renovations | convertedfromoil-poweredtoelectricityin1925 |
| Landscape type | ruggedcoastlinewithrockycliffs,sandybeaches,andpicturesquefishingvillages |
| View description | dramaticviewsofthestraitandsurroundinglandscape |
| Light characteristic | Fl(3)W.15s |
| Light range | 25kilometers(15.5miles) |