Far de Cavalleria Lighthouse
Diseminado Poligono 05, 1, 07748 Es Mercadal, Illes Balears, Spain
Name and Location
The Far de Cavalleria Lighthouse is located in Es Mercadal, Illes Balears, Spain, serving as a significant maritime aid to navigation on the Mediterranean coast.
Construction and History
Built in 1859, this historic lighthouse stands at an impressive height of 94 meters (307 feet) and has a focal height of 80 meters (262 feet). It was constructed during the era of industrialization and has been automated since its construction, ensuring continuous operation without human intervention.
Architecture and Materials
The Far de Cavalleria Lighthouse features a sturdy, rectangular tower with a pyramidal roof and a lantern room at the top. The lighthouse's exterior walls are made of stone, while its interior features a spiral staircase leading to the lantern room.
Light and Navigation
The lighthouse emits a white light with a period of 10 seconds, flashing every 20 seconds. The light range is approximately 22 nautical miles (40 kilometers), covering a sector from 74 degrees to 292 degrees.
Accessibility and Visiting
Visitors can access the lighthouse grounds and enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding Mediterranean landscape. However, due to safety concerns and maintenance requirements, the interior of the lighthouse is not open to the public.
Notable Views and Landscape
The Far de Cavalleria Lighthouse is situated near the Cabo de Caballeria, a scenic coastal area with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. The surrounding landscape is characterized by rolling hills, beaches, and pine forests.
Anecdotes and Folklore
According to legend, the lighthouse was built to guide mariners safely through treacherous waters and to commemorate the bravery of sailors who risked their lives at sea.
Technical and Operational Details
The Far de Cavalleria Lighthouse is managed by the Spanish Ministry of Transport, Mobility, and Urban Agenda (Ministerio de Transportes, Movilidad y Agenda Urbana). It can be found on various nautical charts, including those provided by the Spanish Hydrographic Institute (Instituto Hidrográfico de la Marina).
Further Information
The Far de Cavalleria Lighthouse has been recognized for its historical significance and cultural importance in the region. It is listed as a Category A Cultural Asset by the Spanish Ministry of Culture and Sport. For those interested in learning more, several online resources are available, including Wikipedia (ca:Far del Cap de Cavalleria) and various maritime and historical websites.
Details
Name | Far de Cavalleria Lighthouse |
---|---|
City | Es Mercadal |
Country | Spain |
Coordinates | 40.089017, 4.0922786 |
Year of construction | 1859 |
Stories | local folklore; unique anecdotes |
Architectural style | sturdy, rectangular tower with a pyramidal roof and a lantern room at the top |
Construction material | "stone" |
Focal height | 80 |
Tower height | 94 |
Access description | grounds accessible, interior not open to public |
Accessible | true |
Landscape type | Mediterranean coast, rolling hills, beaches, and pine forests |
View description | scenic views of the surrounding Mediterranean landscape and Cabo de Caballeria |
Guided tours | false |
Nearby attractions | "Cabo de Caballeria" |
Light characteristic | "white light with a period of 10 seconds, flashing every 20 seconds" |
Light range | 22 |
Automated | true |