Name and Location

The Tainaron Lighthouse, also known as "Akra Tainaron Light," is located at the southernmost tip of mainland Greece, marking Cape Tainaro (ancient Taenarum), a steep limestone promontory in Laconia, Peloponnese. The lighthouse sits at the entrance to the Messenian and Laconian Gulfs.

2. Construction and History

The Tainaron Lighthouse was built in 1882 during the Ottoman era, under the supervision of the French Lighthouse Authority. Its placement responds to centuries of local shipping losses along the sheer cliffs of Taenarum.

3. Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse is a cylindrical masonry tower attached to a one-story keeper's house (now unoccupied). The structure is made of local limestone and whitewashed masonry, with a lantern room topped by a metal dome. The tower stands 6 meters above its base.

4. Light and Navigation

The original dioptric apparatus (presumed Fresnel) has been replaced by a modern rotating beacon. The characteristic light sequence is a group of two white flashes every 20 seconds – Fl(2) W 20 s. The range is 22 nautical miles, with a color of white.

5. Accessibility and Visiting

The site is remote and unstaffed, with no museum or guided tours available. Visitors may approach the lighthouse on foot but cannot enter the lantern room. There are no facilities on-site.

6. Notable Views and Landscape

• The surrounding landscape features sheer white cliffs dropping into the Ionian Sea, wind-sculpted scrub, wild thyme, and juniper.
• The site offers panoramic vistas of the open sea, occasional sightings of passing vessels, and on clear days, the opposite coast of Peloponnese.

7. Anecdotes and Folklore

According to legend, Cape Tainaro was revered in antiquity as a gateway to the underworld. Orpheus is said to have entered Hades here, and pilgrims once left dedications at the cave's mouth. Modern visitors report a haunting stillness, especially around sunset.

8. Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse has been automated since unknown date (likely late 20th century) and is currently managed by the Hellenic Navy Hydrographic Service. It is an active coastal light, with no formal "listed" status under the Greek Ministry of Culture.

9. Further Information

For more information, visit the Wikipedia article on Φάρος Ταινάρου or consult the Hellenic Navy Hydrographic Service website._