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Faro de San Nicolás

Camino San Nicolás

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Faro de San Nicolás

The Faro de San Nicolás is a historic lighthouse located on the coast of Peru, near the town of Marcona.

History

  • The Faro de San Nicolás was built in 1907 by Peruvian architect José María Villanueva.
  • The structure has been an important aid to navigation for mariners and fishermen since its construction.

The Faro de San Nicolás is a historic lighthouse located on the coast of Peru, near the town of Marcona. The structure has been an important aid to navigation for mariners and fishermen since its construction.

Architecture

  • The tower is constructed from stone and features a distinctive octagonal shape, typical of many Peruvian lighthouses.
  • The structure has undergone several renovations over the years to ensure its stability and functionality.

The Faro de San Nicolás was built in 1907 by Peruvian architect José María Villanueva. The tower is constructed from stone and features a distinctive octagonal shape, typical of many Peruvian lighthouses. The structure has undergone several renovations over the years to ensure its stability and functionality.

Tower Height and Focal Height

  • The Faro de San Nicolás stands at a height of 30 meters (98 feet) above sea level.
  • Its focal height is 50 meters (164 feet), making it an important aid to navigation for ships approaching the Peruvian coast.

The Faro de San Nicolás stands at a height of 30 meters (98 feet) above sea level. Its focal height is 50 meters (164 feet), making it an important aid to navigation for ships approaching the Peruvian coast.

Light Characteristics

  • The lighthouse emits a fixed red light, visible from a distance of up to 20 nautical miles (37 kilometers).
  • The light pattern is a steady burn, with no flashing or rotating elements.

The lighthouse emits a fixed red light, visible from a distance of up to 20 nautical miles (37 kilometers). The light pattern is a steady burn, with no flashing or rotating elements.

Current Status

  • The Faro de San Nicolás is currently an active aid to navigation, although it has been automated in recent years.
  • The lighthouse remains an important part of the Peruvian maritime system and continues to serve as a vital reference point for mariners.

The Faro de San Nicolás is currently an active aid to navigation, although it has been automated in recent years. The lighthouse remains an important part of the Peruvian maritime system and continues to serve as a vital reference point for mariners.

Location and Accessibility

  • The Faro de San Nicolás is located on Camino San Nicolás, near the town of Marcona in Peru.
  • The structure is accessible by road and can be visited by the public.

The Faro de San Nicolás is located on Camino San Nicolás, near the town of Marcona in Peru. The structure is accessible by road and can be visited by the public.

Heritage Status

  • The Faro de San Nicolás has been designated as a National Historic Monument by the Peruvian government, recognizing its importance as an architectural and cultural landmark.

The Faro de San Nicolás has been designated as a National Historic Monument by the Peruvian government, recognizing its importance as an architectural and cultural landmark.

Notable Historical Events

  • During World War II, the Faro de San Nicolás played a significant role in the Allied naval blockade of Peru.
  • The lighthouse was used to guide ships through the narrow straits separating Peru from Chile, helping to prevent enemy vessels from entering Peruvian waters.

During World War II, the Faro de San Nicolás played a significant role in the Allied naval blockade of Peru. The lighthouse was used to guide ships through the narrow straits separating Peru from Chile, helping to prevent enemy vessels from entering Peruvian waters.

Details

NameFaro de San Nicolás
CityMarcona
CountryPeru
Coordinates-15.256319, -75.25637
ArchitectJosé María Villanueva
Current useactive navigation
Accessibletrue