Pianosa lighthouse, Maritime navigation tower on Pianosa Island, Tuscany, Italy
The Pianosa lighthouse in Tuscany is a white cylindrical tower standing 19 meters tall, rising from a two-story building. It sends two white flashes across the Tyrrhenian Sea every 10 seconds to guide maritime traffic.
The Italian Navy activated this navigation point in October 1865, creating a crucial maritime reference for ships in the Tuscan Archipelago. This marked the beginning of modern maritime infrastructure development in the region.
The lighthouse sits near Roman villa ruins where Emperor Augustus once sent his grandson into exile. This connection to ancient history adds layers of meaning to the navigational structure.
The structure operates on mains electricity with a focal height of 42 meters above sea level. The light remains visible from up to 16 nautical miles away, making it effective for navigation from considerable distances.
Access to the lighthouse area is restricted because Pianosa Island has been a protected marine reserve since 1996. Visitors need special permission to reach the site, making it a rare and exceptional destination.
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