Name and Location

The Faro de Melilla (Melilla Lighthouse) is located in the autonomous city of Melilla, Spain.

Construction and History

The Faro de Melilla was constructed in 1860 during the reign of Queen Isabella II. This historic lighthouse serves as a vital beacon for maritime navigation.

Architecture and Materials

The Faro de Melilla is an example of traditional Spanish architecture, with a tower-like shape and a brown color scheme. The structure is made of stone and brick, providing stability and durability in the face of harsh Mediterranean weather conditions.

Light and Navigation

The lighthouse emits a white light with a period of 6 seconds, consisting of three flashes followed by one second of darkness and then a repeat sequence. This unique light characteristic helps mariners identify the structure from a distance. Standing at 11.9 meters (39 feet) high, the Faro de Melilla's focal height reaches an impressive 40 meters (131 feet) above sea level, allowing its light to be visible for approximately 14 kilometers (8.7 miles).

Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can access the Faro de Melilla through a stairway leading up to the lantern room, offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea.

• The lighthouse is situated at the following coordinates: -2.9322957°, 35.2943028°.

Notable Views and Landscape

The views from the top of the lighthouse offer a panoramic view of the Mediterranean Sea.

Anecdotes and Folklore

No notable events or anecdotes are directly associated with the Faro de Melilla.

Technical and Operational Details

Originally operated manually by keepers, the Faro de Melilla was automated in 1983 to reduce maintenance costs and improve efficiency. Today, the lighthouse is managed by the Spanish authorities and continues to serve as an important aid to navigation.

Further Information

As a historic landmark, the Faro de Melilla has been recognized for its cultural and architectural significance.