Albarnaz Lighthouse

Category: Civil Architecture > Lighthouse

District: Açores > Santa Cruz das Flores > Ponta Delgada

Location

The Albarnaz Lighthouse stands majestically at Ponta do Albarnaz, the northernmost tip of Flores Island, in the municipality of Santa Cruz das Flores. Positioned 104 meters above sea level, this lighthouse is located on an isolated coastline, offering a setting of great natural beauty and wide views over the Atlantic. From here, one can enjoy a remarkable landscape over the island's west coast, with the lighthouse's light signal visible from the coast of Corvo Island and along the entire northwest coast of Flores.

Sentinel of the West

With a history dating back to the early 20th century, the Albarnaz Lighthouse holds a special significance: it is the westernmost point of continental and insular Europe to possess such a structure. Its existence is a testament to the importance of Flores Island as one of the first reference points for transatlantic navigation. This lighthouse is a true sentinel, guiding vessels and marking the end of the Old Continent and the beginning of the vast oceanic expanse.

The Structure and the Light

The lighthouse building consists of a circular white masonry tower, rising about 9.5 meters from the ground. At its top, a cylindrical metal railing and the lantern dome, both painted a vivid red, contrast with the white of the tower and the blue of the ocean. The light, situated 15 meters above the ground, is generated by a rotating apparatus that emits single white flashes every five seconds, with a considerable luminous range, essential for navigation safety in the region.

A History of Illumination

The Albarnaz Lighthouse began operation on January 28, 1925, after plans for its establishment had been conceived decades earlier. Since its inauguration, the lighthouse's technology has been progressively modernized. Initially, the lighting apparatus ran on oil and was powered by a clockwork mechanism. Later, with electrification and the introduction of more powerful lamps, its range was extended, ensuring increasingly effective maritime guidance adapted to the needs of the time. This journey reflects the continuous evolution of maritime signaling systems.

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