Faro del Cerro Santa Ana

The Faro del Cerro Santa Ana is a historic lighthouse located in Guayaquil, Ecuador.

History

1. Built in 1895, the Faro del Cerro Santa Ana was constructed to serve as a navigational aid for ships entering the Guayaquil harbor.
2. The lighthouse stood at 30 meters (98 feet) tall, with a focal height of 45 meters (148 feet), allowing it to illuminate the surrounding waters.

Architecture

The Faro del Cerro Santa Ana is an impressive structure made from stone and iron. Its design was influenced by traditional Ecuadorian architecture, with a distinctive tower shape that has become synonymous with Guayaquil's skyline.

1. The lighthouse features a central lantern room with a distinctive red roof, which has been preserved in its original state.

Light Characteristics

The Faro del Cerro Santa Ana is equipped with a first-order Fresnel lens, which projects a beam of light 15 nautical miles (28 kilometers) into the surrounding waters.

1. The lighthouse operates on a rotating beam pattern, allowing it to illuminate the harbor and surrounding coastline.

Current Status

The Faro del Cerro Santa Ana is currently an active aid to navigation, although its operation has been automated over the years.

1. In recent years, efforts have been made to preserve the lighthouse's historic significance, and it is now operated by a private organization as a museum and tourist attraction.

Location and Accessibility

The Faro del Cerro Santa Ana is located in the heart of Guayaquil's historic district, on Plaza de los Símbolos (also known as Plaza de Honores).

1. The lighthouse is easily accessible on foot, with several nearby streets and public transportation options available.

3. Visitors can also take a short taxi ride or bus from the city center.

Heritage Status

The Faro del Cerro Santa Ana has been recognized for its cultural and historical significance by the Ecuadorian government.

4. It was declared a national monument in 2001 and is now protected under the country's heritage laws.

Notable Historical Events

During World War II, the Faro del Cerro Santa Ana played an important role as a navigational aid for Allied ships entering Guayaquil harbor.

5. The lighthouse also served as a symbol of resistance against the Japanese occupation during this period.