Folly Lighthouse, National monument lighthouse in Port Antonio, Jamaica
Folly Lighthouse is a brick structure with white and orange-red stripes on Folly Peninsula, rising about 15 meters above sea level. Its summit holds a lantern room and gallery that provide views over the harbor entrance.
The lighthouse was built in 1888 as part of a development by Alfred Mitchell, a wealthy businessman who also constructed a residence on the site. It was designed to guide ships safely into Port Antonio harbor and continues this role today.
The lighthouse takes its name from the grand mansion that once stood nearby, and visitors can sense the connection between the tower and the estate's story through the remaining structures on the peninsula.
The site is best visited during clear weather when views across the bay from the summit are clearest. The rocky coastline surrounding the peninsula requires sturdy footwear and careful walking.
The lighthouse operates using solar power technology, allowing this 19th-century structure to function independently from the grid. This integration of renewable energy shows how heritage sites can adapt to modern sustainability approaches.
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