Miķeļbāka, Maritime lighthouse in Miķeļtornis, Latvia
Miķeļbāka is a white concrete lighthouse on Latvia's coast that rises 56 meters and features double galleries surrounding a lantern at the top. The cylindrical structure is solidly built to withstand harsh coastal weather and offers wide views from its upper platform.
An original lighthouse was built in 1885, but was severely damaged by artillery during World War I and demolished in 1932. The current concrete tower was constructed in 1957 to replace and modernize maritime navigation on this coast.
The name comes from Russian midshipman Mikhail Ryabinin, who surveyed the coastline in 1749 and shaped local maritime language. This connection to seafaring history is woven into how locals and visitors understand this coastal landmark.
A climb of 293 steps leads to an observation platform with views over the region and the Baltic Sea. On clear days, visitors can see roughly 35 kilometers across the coast, making the ascent rewarding when weather conditions are good.
The tower sends out two white flashes every six seconds, making it a striking sight on the horizon in clear nights. These rhythmic light signals have been the calling card for vessels navigating the Irbe Strait for decades.
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