Name and Location

Faro de San Sebastián Lighthouse Located in the heart of Cádiz, Spain

Construction and History

The Faro de San Sebastián was constructed in 1797 as part of the Castillo de San Sebastián, a 17th-century fortification designed to protect the city from naval attacks. Initially used as a military fortress, the lighthouse began operating in its current capacity in 1822, serving as a vital aid to navigation for ships entering and leaving the Port of Cádiz.

Architecture and Materials

The Faro de San Sebastián is a 39-meter-tall tower built using stone and brick, with a distinctive white color that makes it highly visible from sea. The lighthouse's architecture is characterized by its neoclassical style, which was popular during the late 18th century.

Light and Navigation

The Faro de San Sebastián emits a white light with a range of 25 nautical miles, making it an essential aid to navigation for ships traveling through the Mediterranean Sea. The light is characterized by a sequence of flashes every 10 seconds, consisting of a 0.3-second flash followed by a 2.2-second eclipse and then another 0.3-second flash.

Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can access the lighthouse and its surrounding area, which offers stunning views of the Cádiz coastline and the Mediterranean Sea. The site is also home to the Castillo de San Sebastián, a 17th-century fortification that now serves as a museum and cultural center. The Faro de San Sebastián Lighthouse is open to visitors during daylight hours, with guided tours available upon request.

Notable Views and Landscape

The view from the top of the lighthouse offers breathtaking vistas of the Cádiz coastline, the Mediterranean Sea, and the surrounding landscape. On a clear day, visitors can see the nearby city of Jerez de la Frontera and the Bay of Cádiz.

Anecdotes and Folklore

According to legend, the lighthouse was built on an ancient Phoenician temple, and its construction was influenced by the city's strategic importance in the Mediterranean trade routes. The Faro de San Sebastián Lighthouse has a rich history of local folklore and unique anecdotes, including stories about former lighthouse keepers.

Technical and Operational Details

The Faro de San Sebastián was automated in 1986, replacing the need for manual operation by a lighthouse keeper. This modernization ensured the lighthouse's continued effectiveness as a navigation aid while reducing maintenance costs. The lighthouse is equipped with AIS (Automatic Identification System) and radar technology to ensure maximum effectiveness in aiding maritime traffic.

Further Information

Mariners can find reference charts and information about the Faro de San Sebastián Lighthouse in various nautical charts, including those published by the Spanish Navy. Several notable photos of the lighthouse can be found on various online platforms, including Flickr and 500px. The lighthouse has also been featured in several photography galleries and exhibitions.