Santa Ana Castle Lighthouse, Maritime beacon at rocky promontory in Castro-Urdiales, Spain.
The Santa Ana Castle Lighthouse is a navigation tower built on a rocky cliff in Castro-Urdiales on the northern coast of Spain. The structure integrates into a medieval castle and continues to serve as an active maritime beacon guiding ships across the Atlantic.
The tower was built in the 12th century as part of a castle complex and later converted into a lighthouse in 1853. This transformation marked the shift from purely defensive architecture to a modern aid for maritime navigation.
The lighthouse represents a living connection to the maritime life that has shaped this coastal town for generations. Visitors can observe how it sits near the fortified church, reflecting the community's deep bond with the sea and fishing traditions.
The tower sits on a rocky headland with open views across the sea and is easily reached from the town center and nearby beaches. The best access is via the paved path beside the fortified church, which leads directly to the structure.
The light signals of this beacon follow a distinctive flash pattern that helps sailors identify their exact location along the coast. This recognition system makes each lighthouse distinguishable and has been a proven navigation method for maritime traffic for centuries.
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