Farol de D. Maria Pia, Colonial lighthouse near Ponta Temerosa, Praia, Cape Verde
The Farol de D. Maria Pia stands on the Ponta Temerosa headland at the western side of the entrance to Praia Harbour, on the southern tip of Santiago Island. Its octagonal masonry tower carries a lantern and gallery, with a single-storey building attached at ground level. The whole structure is painted white, while the lantern dome is grey.
The lighthouse was built in 1881 during Portuguese rule and named after the reigning Portuguese queen of that era. It formed part of the maritime infrastructure that helped control shipping routes around Africa.
The lighthouse bears the name of a Portuguese queen, reflecting Cape Verde's historical ties to European maritime powers. Visitors can see in its design how seafaring nations left their mark on the islands.
The lighthouse stands on Ponta Temerosa, on the west side of the entrance to Praia Harbour, about 3.5 km south-southeast of the city. Access is via R. do Mar. The site is open, but the tower itself is closed to the public.
The lighthouse stands on Ponta Temerosa, on the west side of the entrance to Praia Harbour, in the parish of Nossa Senhora da Graça. Its octagonal masonry tower has a lantern and gallery, with a single-storey building attached. The whole structure is painted white, while the lantern dome is grey.
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