Farol de D. Maria Pia, Colonial lighthouse near Ponta Temerosa, Praia, Cape Verde
The Farol de D. Maria Pia is a coastal lighthouse in Praia with an octagonal white tower standing 21 meters tall. A single-story attached building served historically as the keeper's residence.
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 structure sits roughly two kilometers south of Praia's center and is reachable by land. Visitors should be prepared for windy conditions and uneven terrain around the site.
Despite being nearly 150 years old, this lighthouse still operates as an active navigational aid for passing ships. Mariners today rely on its white flashes, which appear every six seconds and can be seen from miles away at sea.
Location: Praia
Inception: 1881
Elevation above the sea: 10 m
Height: 21 m
GPS coordinates: 14.90043,-23.50914
Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:46
Cape Verde offers landscapes and places full of stories that tell how these islands in the Atlantic came to be. This collection shows natural and cultural sites that make the archipelago special — from white sandy beaches to volcanic formations, colonial churches, and markets where the local life is active. You will find spots shaped by nature: volcanoes with black lava slopes, salt ponds in extinct craters, deserts of fine sand blown by Sahara winds, and rocks whipped by the ocean that form pools. Some sites invite you to watch the sea life, like shallow bays where sharks swim, or cliffs that look over turquoise waters. Beyond nature, Cape Verde also has a rich culture to explore. Colorful markets are full of local products and craft objects. White churches show the colonial past, and botanical gardens protect the unique plants of the islands. Whether you want to walk on mountain tops, relax on beaches, or get to know the daily life of locals — these places have much to show you.
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