Lighthouse of Colonia, Lighthouse in historic quarter, Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay.
Description
The Colonia lighthouse is a white stone structure that rises above the old town and the Rio de la Plata river. The building stands roughly 34 meters tall and is marked by a red flash that occurs every eight seconds.
History
Work on the lighthouse began in 1845 but was interrupted by civil war and only completed in 1857. Since then it has been guiding ships across the waterways.
Culture
The lighthouse sits upon the foundations of a 17th century convent that once guided seafarers as a landmark. This link between religious history and maritime function shapes how locals and visitors understand the site today.
Practical
Visitors can climb to the top on most days and see the old town and river from above. The building is easy to reach on foot from the main streets of the historic district.
Did you know?
The lighthouse was later equipped with solar power and modern LED technology to reach ships across greater distances. This blend of historic structure and contemporary systems shows how the building has adapted over time.
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Historic lighthouses around the world tell the story of the way ships have been guided for hundreds of years. From the rocky coast of Norway to the cliffs of the Pacific, these towers have helped sailors since ancient times. The Tower of Hercules in Spain has been shining over the sea since the...
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