Zafarana Lighthouse

The Zafarana Lighthouse is a historic maritime aid located on Ras Zafarana, Egypt.

History

• The construction of the lighthouse began in 1901 and was completed in 1903 by the Egyptian government. The tower was designed to serve as a navigational aid for ships approaching the port city of Alexandria. Over the years, the lighthouse has undergone several restorations and renovations to ensure its continued operation.

Architecture

The Zafarana Lighthouse is a 25-meter (82-foot) tall structure with a distinctive white color scheme. The tower's architecture is characterized by a cylindrical shape with a square base and a conical roof. The lighthouse was constructed using traditional materials, including limestone and granite blocks.

Light Characteristics

The Zafarana Lighthouse emits a Fl (first order) light pattern, visible from a range of 17 nautical miles. The light is white in color and has a period of 10 seconds. The sequence of the light is 0.3+(9.7), indicating that the light flashes at an interval of approximately 10 seconds.

Current Status

The Zafarana Lighthouse remains an active aid to navigation, although it has been automated since its construction. The lighthouse continues to guide mariners safely into the port city of Alexandria.

Location and Accessibility

The Zafarana Lighthouse is situated on Ras Zafarana, a peninsula located in the Gulf of Suez, approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) east of Alexandria. The lighthouse can be accessed via the Ra's Ghareb Road, which runs along the coast.

Heritage Status

The Zafarana Lighthouse has been designated as a historic landmark by the Egyptian government and is protected under the country's cultural heritage law.

Notable Historical Events

• During World War II, the Zafarana Lighthouse played an important role in guiding Allied ships safely into Alexandria harbor. The lighthouse also served as a reference point for British naval forces during their occupation of Egypt from 1942 to 1946.