Baniyas Lighthouse

The Baniyas lighthouse is located on the Mediterranean coast of Syria, near the city of Baniyas in Tartus Governorate.

History

• The Baniyas lighthouse has a long history dating back to the 19th century, when it was built to serve as a navigational aid for ships traveling along the Syrian coast.
• The lighthouse has been designated as a notable landmark in Syria and is considered an important part of the country's maritime heritage.

Architecture

The Baniyas lighthouse is a tall structure with a distinctive design. It stands at a height of 98 meters (322 feet) above sea level and has a focal height of 175 meters (574 feet).

The lighthouse is constructed from white limestone and features a characteristic tower shape, typical of many Mediterranean lighthouses.

Light Characteristics

• The Baniyas lighthouse features two distinct light patterns:
• White light: emitted every 17 seconds, visible for a range of 16 nautical miles.
• Red light: emitted with the same characteristics as the white light, visible for a range of 12 nautical miles.

Current Status

The Baniyas lighthouse is currently active and automated. It serves as an important navigational aid for ships traveling along the Syrian coast.

Location and Accessibility

The Baniyas lighthouse is located on the Mediterranean coast of Syria, near the city of Baniyas in Tartus Governorate.

• The nearest airport is Latakia International Airport, which is approximately 55 km (34 miles) north of the lighthouse.
• The lighthouse can be accessed via a coastal road that runs along the Syrian coast.

Heritage Status

The Baniyas lighthouse has been designated as a notable landmark in Syria and is considered an important part of the country's maritime heritage.

Notable Historical Events

• The Baniyas lighthouse has played an important role in the history of navigation in the Mediterranean.
• During World War II, the lighthouse was used by Allied forces to guide ships through the Syrian coast.
• The lighthouse also served as a key navigational aid for Soviet warships during the Cold War.

Additional Information

The Baniyas lighthouse is located near the Crusader castle of Margat (Qalaat el-Marqab), a huge Knights Hospitaller fortress built with black basalt stone.

The oil refinery and power station in the area are also notable features of the region's industrial landscape.