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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

NameFarol
CityRibeira Brava
CountryPortugal
Coordinates32.6687769, -17.0646967
EventsGerman forces occupied the Azores
Historic significancerole in maritime history and navigation
Storiesused as a hiding place or escape route during World War II
Construction materialstone
Tower height15
Renovationsconverted to an aid to navigation
Landscape typerocky coast, dunes, island
View descriptionthe surrounding coastal landscape
Guided toursfalse
Facilitiestoilets, café, gift shop
Opening hours
Nearby attractionsGoogle Maps (2023), GeoJSON dataset (2023)
Light characteristica bright, white LED with a distinctive flash pattern
Light range27
Automatedtrue