Name and Location

The Ras Ben Sakka Lighthouse, also known as Ras Ben Sakka – رأس بن سكة, is located at the northernmost tip of the African continent on a rocky promontory at Ras Angela (Cape Angela). Its official name is Ras Ben Sakka Lighthouse, and it has no heritage listing. The lighthouse's coordinates are 37°20′40″ N, 9°44′19″ E, with a plus code of 8PVQ+RG3.

Construction and History

The construction date of the lighthouse is not documented, but it is likely to have been built in the mid-20th century. The lighthouse was erected as a major coastal light (seamark:type=light_major) to reduce shipwrecks on hidden reefs just north of the headland.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse has a small cylindrical tower mounted on a low concrete base. Its structure is likely made of reinforced-concrete or painted steel, with a height estimated at 6-8 meters above its base. The color scheme is white, with no banding visible in satellite imagery.

Light and Navigation

The exact light range and flash characteristic are unknown. It is presumed that the lighthouse is automated with solar-powered lamp, and it has no on-site keeper's quarters remaining. The managing authority is Tunisia's National Ports Authority (Office National du Phare et de Balises).

Accessibility and Visiting

The lighthouse is open to visitors free of charge, but there are no formal visitor facilities or guided tours available. Visitors should exercise caution when walking along the rocky shoreline with low scrub.

Notable Views and Landscape

From the top of the lighthouse, visitors can enjoy panoramic views over the Mediterranean toward Sicily and the Gulf of Tunis. The surrounding landscape features a rocky shoreline with low scrub, popular for watching sunrises and migratory seabirds.

Anecdotes and Folklore

Local fishermen tell stories of shipwrecks on hidden reefs just north of the headland before the lighthouse was erected. The light has long been used by Mediterranean sailors as a landmark for safe passage into the Gulf of Tunis.

Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse's technical details, such as exact tower height, focal height, light range, and flash characteristic, are not officially published. It is presumed automated with solar-powered lamp and has no on-site keeper's quarters remaining. The managing authority is Tunisia's National Ports Authority (Office National du Phare et de Balises).

Further Information

For further information, visitors can refer to OpenStreetMap ("way/172986853"), Google Maps (satellite and Street View), the Tunisia National Ports Authority annual lighthouse directory (in Arabic and French), and Wikipedia: "Ras Ben Sakka".