Faro de Cabo Polonio, Maritime lighthouse in Cabo Polonio, Uruguay.
Faro de Cabo Polonio is a lighthouse on Uruguay's Atlantic coast featuring a distinctive stone structure. The cylindrical tower displays white rings and a red-and-white striped dome, with viewing access from above that overlooks the rocky coastal landscape below.
The tower was built in response to dangerous conditions that caused many shipwrecks along this coast, with its light first shining in 1881. It later gained status as a national monument in 1976, marking its importance to Uruguay's maritime heritage.
The tower holds deep meaning for local communities as a symbol of their maritime past and connection to the ocean. It stands near fishing villages where residents have long relied on its presence to navigate coastal waters.
Access to the tower is available on weekends and select weekdays, with a climb required to reach the viewing platform at the top. Timing your visit during morning or early afternoon hours works best for a comfortable experience on the staircase.
The tower produces regular light pulses that are visible across great distances and help ships pinpoint the exact coastal location during navigation. This precise flashing pattern remains a critical part of the navigational tools that modern captains still rely upon.
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