Farol de Santa Marta

The Farol de Santa Marta is a historic lighthouse located in Cascais, Portugal.

History

• The Farol de Santa Marta was constructed in 1931 and has been an important aid to navigation for mariners since its completion. The lighthouse played a significant role during World War II, serving as a beacon for Allied ships entering the port of Cascais.

Architecture

• The tower height of the Farol de Santa Marta is 20 meters (66 feet), while the focal height is 25 meters (82 feet). The lighthouse features two distinct light characteristics: one red light with a range of 14 nautical miles and another white light with a range of 18 nautical miles. The light's period is 6 seconds, and it emits a distinctive horn signal.

The Farol de Santa Marta was designed by the Portuguese Naval Architecture Office and constructed using local materials such as stone and concrete.

Current Status

• The Farol de Santa Marta is currently an active aid to navigation, although its role has been partially automated. The lighthouse remains open to visitors and serves as a museum showcasing the history of maritime navigation in Portugal.

Location and Accessibility

The Farol de Santa Marta is located at the following coordinates: 38.69038264285714° N, 9.420981271428571° W. Visitors can access the lighthouse by visiting the adjacent Farol Museu de Santa Marta museum, which offers guided tours of the tower and its exhibits.

Heritage Status

The Farol de Santa Marta is a protected historic landmark in Portugal, recognized for its architectural and cultural significance.

Notable Historical Events

1. 1931: The Farol de Santa Marta was completed and began serving as an aid to navigation.
2. World War II: The lighthouse played a crucial role during the war, guiding Allied ships into the port of Cascais.