Vuurbaak

The Vuurbaak van Katwijk aan Zee is a historic lighthouse located in Katwijk aan Zee, South Holland, Netherlands.

History

• Believed to date from 1605, the Vuurbaak van Katwijk aan Zee is one of the oldest lighthouses in the Netherlands. Initially, it served as a beacon for fishermen, who would light a fire on top of the tower whenever they were out at sea. The fire was later replaced with an oil lamp in the mid-19th century. By the early 20th century, there were no longer any fishing vessels from Katwijk, and the lighthouse became inactive.

Architecture

The Vuurbaak van Katwijk aan Zee is a simple tower structure, standing at a height of approximately 12 meters (39 ft). The tower's design is characteristic of traditional Dutch lighthouses. The lighthouse was built using local materials, but specific details about the construction materials are not available.

Light Characteristics

The Vuurbaak van Katwijk aan Zee features a distinctive beacon that serves as a navigational aid for mariners. The light characteristics include a shape of "tower" and a colour of white. However, no information is available on the range or pattern of the light.

Current Status

The Vuurbaak van Katwijk aan Zee is currently inactive, having ceased to serve as an operational lighthouse. It has been preserved as part of the town's heritage, but its current status as a museum or tourist attraction is not confirmed.

Location and Accessibility

The Vuurbaak van Katwijk aan Zee can be found at the following coordinates: 52.200260583333325, 4.390945866666667. The lighthouse is located in Katwijk aan Zee, a town on the North Sea coast of South Holland, Netherlands.

Heritage Status

The Vuurbaak van Katwijk aan Zee has been recognized for its historical significance and is included in the Netherlands' heritage inventory.

Notable Historical Events

No specific notable historical events are recorded for the Vuurbaak van Katwijk aan Zee.