Torre della Meloria, Maritime lighthouse near Livorno, Italy.
Torre della Meloria is a lighthouse on the coast near Livorno with its upper section painted yellow and lower section black for visibility. It stands on four square pillars connected by Gothic arches that allow waves to pass through during rough seas.
The lighthouse was built in 1709 under Cosimo III de' Medici and replaced earlier structures from the 12th century that were destroyed by storms and conflicts. This reconstruction was part of efforts to better protect the important port and improve maritime navigation.
This lighthouse marks the entrance to Livorno's port and symbolizes the city's deep connection to maritime life. It represents centuries of seafaring traditions along the Tuscan coast.
The tower runs on solar power and emits a light signal visible from about 18 kilometers away. The location is exposed to wind and can be rough, so wear sturdy shoes and windproof clothing.
The open-arch design was innovative for its time and solved a practical problem: it prevented waves from damaging the tower during rough seas. This clever construction helped the structure survive for centuries.
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