California Lighthouse, Lighthouse in Noord, Aruba.
California Lighthouse is a 30-meter white tower with a black lantern and double gallery on a limestone plateau along the northwestern coast. The structure, built from rubble, lime, and cement, sits on elevated ground and offers views of the surrounding coastal landscape.
The lighthouse was built in 1914, more than two decades after the British steamship California sank offshore in 1891. Its construction responded to the danger that this shipping route posed.
The name recalls the British steamship that wrecked offshore, shaping islanders' awareness of maritime danger in these waters. The white structure with its black lantern has become a recognized landmark that draws both locals and visitors.
The best time to visit is in the afternoon when the sun is lower and light favors photography. The site is easily reached from the island's center, and a footpath leads from the top area to the base where you can view the ocean.
During construction, a creative solution was found for a major logistical challenge: donkeys from the Figaroa family hauled heavy building materials from Oranjestad port to this remote location. These transports reveal how difficult it was to accomplish such a project on an island without modern roads and vehicles.
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