Faro de San Jerónimo (Bonanza)

The Faro de San Jerónimo (Bonanza) is a historic lighthouse located on the Atlantic coast of Spain, in the town of Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Cádiz Province.

History

• The construction of this tower began in 1857 and was completed in 1860.
• The lighthouse was designed by Spanish architect Francisco de Paula Martínez.

The building's exterior walls are constructed from local limestone, while the lantern room and other internal structures are made of brick and stonework.

Architecture

• The Faro de San Jerónimo features a distinctive cylindrical structure with a square base and a conical roof.
• The tower stands at a height of 44 meters (144 feet) above the sea level, while its focal height is approximately 50 meters (164 feet).

Light Characteristics

• The Faro de San Jerónimo features a fixed optic with a red glass lens, which emits a beam that can be seen up to 20 nautical miles (37 kilometers) out to sea.
• The light pattern is a steady red flash every two seconds.

Current Status

The Faro de San Jerónimo is no longer an active aid to navigation and has been automated since the 1980s.

Today, it serves as a museum and a popular tourist destination, offering visitors a glimpse into Spain's rich maritime history.

Location and Accessibility

The lighthouse is situated on Camino del Faro in Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Cádiz Province, Andalusia, Spain.

Visitors can access the tower via a short walk from the nearby town center.

Heritage Status

The Faro de San Jerónimo was declared a National Historic-Artistic Monument by the Spanish Ministry of Culture and Sport in 1997.

This designation recognizes its cultural and historical significance as an important example of mid-19th-century Spanish lighthouse architecture.

Notable Historical Events

• During the Spanish Civil War, the Faro de San Jerónimo played a significant role as a military outpost and observation point for the Republican forces.
• The tower's strategic location allowed it to monitor enemy movements along the coast.

Today, the Faro de San Jerónimo remains an important part of Spain's maritime heritage, attracting visitors from around the world who come to admire its historic architecture and learn about its rich history.