Name and Location

The Faro de José Ignacio is a historic lighthouse located on the southeastern coast of Uruguay, in the Maldonado Department. Its coordinates are -34.846267° S, -54.6328214° W.

Construction and History

The Faro de José Ignacio was constructed in 1871 during the era of colonialism when European powers were establishing their presence in South America. The lighthouse was built to guide ships navigating the treacherous waters of the Atlantic Ocean and to serve as a beacon for maritime trade.

Architecture and Materials

The Faro de José Ignacio stands at an impressive 32 meters (105 feet) tall, with a focal height of approximately 27 meters (89 feet). Its architectural style is a blend of colonial and Art Nouveau influences, featuring a white-painted tower with a distinctive lantern room.

Light and Navigation

The Faro de José Ignacio's light characteristic is Fl(3)W.15s, which means it emits a flashing white light every 15 seconds. The light has a range of approximately 15 nautical miles (28 kilometers), making it visible to ships at sea during the day and night.

Accessibility and Visiting

The Faro de José Ignacio is easily accessible by car or public transportation from the nearby city of Punta del Este. The museum is open to visitors from Tuesday to Sunday, with guided tours available upon request.

Notable Views and Landscape

Visitors can enjoy the surrounding coastal scenery and take in the breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Anecdotes and Folklore

Technical and Operational Details

The Faro de José Ignacio has been automated, and its light is powered by solar energy and a backup generator. In its heyday, the lighthouse was operated manually by lighthouse keepers who maintained the light, reported weather conditions, and assisted in maritime rescue efforts.

Further Information

For more information on the Faro de José Ignacio, please visit Wikipedia's article at unknown.