South Point Lighthouse, Cast iron lighthouse in Atlantic Shores, Christ Church, Barbados
South Point Lighthouse is a 27-meter-tall cylindrical tower made of cast iron sections in Atlantic Shores, Christ Church. The structure displays alternating horizontal bands of white and red paint across its entire exterior.
The lighthouse was exhibited at London's Great Exhibition in 1851 before being transported to Barbados in sections. It was assembled on site in 1852, demonstrating the innovative modular construction method of that era.
The lighthouse appears on the back of Barbados' five-cent coin, symbolizing the nation's maritime heritage since 1973. This placement shows how much the structure means to local identity.
The lighthouse grounds are open to visitors, though the tower structure itself remains closed to the public for safety and preservation reasons. The site is best visited in clear weather to fully appreciate the coastal surroundings.
This is the last remaining cast iron lighthouse of its type, even though only three were ever constructed using this method. The disappearance of all other examples makes this tower a rare surviving testament to this specific building technique.
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