Punta Almina Lighthouse, Maritime lighthouse in Ceuta, Spain.
Punta Almina Lighthouse is a white cylindrical tower standing on the northern coast of Ceuta with a lantern and gallery at its top. The structure overlooks the strait and serves as a navigation aid for ships passing through these waters.
Construction started in 1851 under architect Juan Martínez de la Villa and was funded by the Dukes of Montpensier. The project reflected Spain's commitment to controlling maritime trade through the strait.
This lighthouse marks a symbolic point where European and African shores face each other across the strait, shaping how locals view their city's position.
Visitors can reach the base of the tower by walking across the surrounding coastal area, though the terrain is rocky and uneven in places. The best views of the structure and the strait beyond can be found from several vantage points along the northern coast.
The light is produced by an older Fresnel mechanism that sends two white flashes every 10 seconds, visible for miles across the water. This 19th-century optical technology was specifically designed for navigation through one of the world's busiest sea passages.
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