São Thomé Lighthouse, Lighthouse in Praia do Farol, Campos dos Goytacazes, Brazil

São Thomé Lighthouse is an iron tower in Campos dos Goytacazes that rises 45 meters above the ground. Its rotating beacon completes one revolution every 68 seconds and can be seen from miles away at sea.

The French firm Barbier & Fenestre built the iron tower in 1877, and it was inaugurated in 1882 to mark Princess Isabel's birthday. Its openwork frame followed a design by Swedish engineer Nils Gustaf von Heidenstam, first used at the Pater Noster lighthouse in Sweden. A 1967 lantern fire led to a lower-powered light with reduced range.

The lighthouse serves as a vital navigational point for ships moving along the Brazilian coast, helping captains find their way through the South Atlantic waters.

The structure operates on commercial electric power with a kerosene backup system and its light can be seen from about 19 nautical miles away. The location offers clear views of the coastline and surrounding waters.

The tower's iron frame follows the openwork design of Swedish engineer Nils Gustaf von Heidenstam, using pull rods and tension bars; the first of this type was the Pater Noster lighthouse on Haneskär Island, Sweden. The French firm Barbier & Fenestre built it, and the 45-metre tower has 216 steps.