Slitere Lighthouse

The Slitere lighthouse is a historic lighthouse located on the coast of Latvia.

History

• The construction of this tower began in 1875 and was completed by 1880, making it one of the oldest lighthouses in the country.
• During World War II, the Slitere lighthouse played an important role as a military outpost for the German occupation forces.

Architecture

The Slitere lighthouse is a tall, cylindrical structure with a distinctive shape.

It stands at a height of approximately 25 meters (82 feet) above sea level, while its focal height reaches up to 35 meters (115 feet).

The tower's architecture is characteristic of traditional Latvian lighthouses, featuring a square base and a tapering shape that tapers towards the top.

The Slitere lighthouse was built using local materials, including stone and brick.

Its exterior is made of limestone and features a distinctive red coloration.

Light Characteristics

The Slitere lighthouse is equipped with a characteristic red-and-white rotating light,

which can be seen from a distance of up to 20 nautical miles (37 kilometers).

The light's pattern is a traditional rotating beam that rotates every 30 seconds.

Current Status

The Slitere lighthouse is currently an active aid to navigation,

although it has been automated since the 1990s.

Visitors can still climb to the top of the tower for stunning views of the surrounding coastline.

Location and Accessibility

The Slitere lighthouse is located on the coast of Latvia,

in the Talsu novads region.

The address is Slīteres dabas taka.

The lighthouse is easily accessible by car or public transportation,

with a parking area available nearby.

Heritage Status

The Slitere lighthouse has been recognized as a cultural monument of national significance in Latvia.

It is listed on the country's Register of Cultural Monuments and is protected by law.

Notable Historical Events

During World War II, the Slitere lighthouse played an important role as a military outpost for the German occupation forces.

Today, the Slitere lighthouse remains an important part of Latvia's maritime heritage and is a popular tourist destination for visitors interested in history and architecture.