Punta Carnero Lighthouse, Maritime navigation tower in Punta Carnero, Algeciras, Spain
Punta Carnero Lighthouse is a 19 meter tall cylindrical stone tower with a single-story house structure and lantern at its summit. The structure sits strategically at the Strait of Gibraltar and uses white and red light signals that reach up to 16 nautical miles away.
The lighthouse began operating in 1874 following a comprehensive maritime signalling plan established in 1858. The installation aimed to protect ships from La Perla Shoals, a dangerous underwater formation that had caused numerous wrecks.
The lighthouse takes its name from the rocky headland where it stands and has become a familiar sight for those navigating these waters. Its characteristic white and red light signals have served as a local maritime landmark for generations.
The lighthouse sits at the southwestern tip of Algeciras and is easily accessible by land; visit in clear weather to see across the strait and along the coastline. Keep in mind this is an active navigation tower, so visiting hours may be restricted.
The lighthouse stands on a site with significant historical weight, where the city's former gallows once stood before the waterfront was developed. This darker chapter is often overlooked as visitors focus on the strait and seascapes beyond.
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