Name and Location

The Farol de São Jorge lighthouse is located on the northwest coast of Madeira, Portugal. It stands at an impressive height of 271 meters above sea level.

2. Construction and History

The Farol de São Jorge was constructed in 1890 as a vital aid to navigation for mariners and boats traversing the Atlantic Ocean. The lighthouse has played a crucial role in maritime history, serving as a reference point for sailors and ships navigating the treacherous waters around Madeira.

3. Architecture and Materials

The Farol de São Jorge is designed in a traditional Portuguese style, with a sturdy stone foundation and a cylindrical tower made of granite and limestone. The lighthouse's architecture is characterized by its simplicity and elegance, featuring a white-painted lantern room topped with a pyramidal roof.

4. Light and Navigation

The lighthouse emits a powerful light beam every 5 seconds, shining at a range of 15 nautical miles (27.78 kilometers). The light has a distinctive sequence: two main flashes followed by three shorter ones. This unique pattern is used to distinguish the Farol de São Jorge from other nearby beacons.

5. Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can reach the lighthouse by road or on foot via a scenic coastal path. While the tower is not open to the public for safety reasons, the surrounding area offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the nearby São Jorge Island.

6. Notable Views and Landscape

The surrounding area offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the nearby São Jorge Island.

7. Anecdotes and Folklore

No anecdotes or folklore available.

8. Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse was originally operated manually until its automation in 1985. Today, it remains an active aid to navigation, relying on solar power and a backup generator for energy supply.

9. Further Information

For further information, please refer to the official website of the Portuguese Navy's Lighthouse Service (Amn.pt) or Wikidata (Q5436123 - Farol de São Jorge).