Gonçalo Velho Lighthouse

Category: Civil Architecture > Lighthouse

District: Açores > Vila do Porto > Santo Espírito

Location:

The Gonçalo Velho Lighthouse is located at Ponta do Castelo, a promontory in the parish of Santo Espírito, in the municipality of Vila do Porto, on the island of Santa Maria, Azores. Its position is remarkable, 114 meters above sea level, isolated on the southeastern tip of the island. This coastal setting offers a wide view of the Atlantic Ocean.

Access to the lighthouse complex is via a ramp that facilitates arrival, complemented by steps that make the journey pleasant for those who prefer to walk, allowing a gradual approach to its imposing structure.

A Lighthouse with History

Although its construction was already planned since the General Lighthouses Plan of 1883, the Gonçalo Velho Lighthouse only began to operate on November 15, 1927. Initially, it was known as the Ponta do Castelo Lighthouse, reflecting its geographical location.

On March 3, 1930, the lighthouse was renamed Gonçalo Velho Lighthouse, in homage to the navigator Gonçalo Velho Cabral, a historical figure linked to the discovery and settlement of the island. Over the decades, the structure has undergone various improvements, from the construction of additional housing for the lighthouse keepers to electrification, a process that was completed with the connection to the public grid in 1991, ensuring its continued operation and importance for maritime navigation in the region.

Characteristics and Operation

This built complex includes the lighthouse tower and the dwellings that serve the lighthouse keepers who still man it today. The tower, with a quadrangular base, rises to a height of 14 meters. Its construction in plastered and whitewashed stone masonry gives it a robust and traditional aesthetic.

At the top of the tower, a stonework parapet crowns the terrace where the lantern is installed. This, cylindrical in shape and painted red, houses a 3rd order optical apparatus. This equipment emits a light characterized by three white flashes every 13.5 seconds, visible up to a distance of 25 nautical miles, a crucial range for the safety of ships crossing these waters.

Viewpoint and Details

The location of the Gonçalo Velho Lighthouse invites the observation of the surrounding landscape. From this elevated point at Ponta do Castelo, it is possible to enjoy extensive views of the vast Atlantic.

For those visiting the site, a curious detail to discover is a black painted arrow on one of the lighthouse walls. This informative mark indicates the direction of the Formigas islets, highlighting the lighthouse's connection to other maritime reference points in the area.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt