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Cascais Lighthouse

Av. Rei Humberto II de Itália 7, 2750-800 Cascais, Portugal

Name and Location

The Cascais Lighthouse is located in the charming town of Cascais, Portugal.

Construction and History

The Cascais Lighthouse was built in 1844 by the Portuguese government as part of a network of lighthouses designed to guide ships safely into the port of Lisbon. The original structure was constructed using limestone and granite.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse's architecture is a blend of modernist and classical styles, featuring a striking white tower with a red stripe running around its middle. The tower rises to a height of 27 meters (89 feet), topped by a prominent lantern room that houses the original Fresnel lens. The building also features an octagonal pavilion at its base, adorned with ornate stone carvings and surrounded by lush greenery.

Light and Navigation

The Cascais Lighthouse serves as both a navigational aid and a beacon of maritime safety. Its powerful light beam reaches out across the waters, guiding ships safely into harbor and warning mariners of potential hazards such as rocky shoals or submerged wrecks.

Accessibility and Visiting

Today, the Cascais Lighthouse is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world who come to admire its stunning architecture, enjoy the surrounding coastal scenery, and learn about the rich maritime history of the region. Visitors can explore the lighthouse's interior, climb to the top for breathtaking views of the coast, or simply relax in the nearby gardens and take in the sights and sounds of the sea.

Notable Views and Landscape

The lighthouse offers stunning views of the surrounding coastal landscape, making it a popular spot for photographers and nature lovers.

Technical and Operational Details

  • * Height: 27 meters (89 feet)
  • * Lantern room height: 14 meters (46 feet)
  • * Fresnel lens diameter: 2.5 meters (8.2 feet)
  • * Light beam range: 18 kilometers (11 miles)
  • * Original light intensity: 1,500 candles

Details

NameCascais Lighthouse
CityCascais
CountryPortugal
Coordinates38.690394, -9.4209747
Year of construction1844
Historic significanceMaritime history, architecture
Architectural styleModernist and Classical
Construction material"Limestone and Granite"
Focal height14
Tower height27
Accessibletrue
Landscape typeCoastal scenery
Facilitiestoilets, café, gift shop
Light range18
Automatedtrue