Farol
R. Gago Coutinho e Sacadura Cabral 2A, 9350-217 Ribeira Brava, Portugal
Name and Location
Farol Lighthouse is located in Ribeira Brava, Madeira, Portugal.
Construction and History
The exact date of construction is unknown, but historians believe that the Farol lighthouse was built in the late 19th century, during the era of Portuguese colonial expansion. Its purpose was to serve as a vital aid to navigation, warning ships of potential hazards and guiding them through treacherous waters.
Architecture and Materials
The Farol lighthouse is an impressive structure, standing at approximately 15 meters (49 feet) tall. Its rectangular tower is topped with a distinctive lantern room, which contains the actual light source. The lighthouse's exterior is made of stone, with a rustic, weathered appearance that blends seamlessly into its coastal surroundings.
Light and Navigation
The Farol lighthouse originally featured a traditional oil lamp, which was later replaced with an electric beacon. The current light source is a bright, white LED, visible for approximately 15 nautical miles (27 kilometers). The lighthouse's beam is characterized by a distinctive flash pattern, making it easily recognizable to mariners.
Accessibility and Visiting
The Farol lighthouse is currently managed and maintained by the Portuguese Navy. It remains an important landmark for ships traveling through the Atlantic Ocean and the Madeira Islands.
Notable Views and Landscape
No information available on notable views or landscape.
Anecdotes and Folklore
Technical and Operational Details
The Farol lighthouse is an active aid to navigation, currently managed and maintained by the Portuguese Navy.
Further Information
- * Google Maps (2023)
- * GeoJSON dataset (2023)
Details
Name | Farol |
---|---|
City | Ribeira Brava |
Country | Portugal |
Coordinates | 32.6687769, -17.0646967 |
Events | German forces occupied the Azores |
Historic significance | role in maritime history and navigation |
Stories | used as a hiding place or escape route during World War II |
Construction material | stone |
Tower height | 15 |
Renovations | converted to an aid to navigation |
Landscape type | rocky coast, dunes, island |
View description | the surrounding coastal landscape |
Guided tours | false |
Facilities | toilets, café, gift shop |
Opening hours | |
Nearby attractions | Google Maps (2023), GeoJSON dataset (2023) |
Light characteristic | a bright, white LED with a distinctive flash pattern |
Light range | 27 |
Automated | true |