Feu de Saint-Pol, lighthouse on the west jetty of Dunkirk's port, France
Feu de Saint-Pol is a brick lighthouse standing at the western jetty of Dunkirk's port. It features three dome-shaped structures combined with medieval-style architectural details, rising approximately 36 meters above the water.
Built between 1937 and 1938 following designs by architect Gustave Umbdenstock, this structure endured World War II. It was restored to its original appearance in 1954 after the war ended.
The name comes from Saint-Pol-sur-Mer even though the tower stands in Dunkirk. Its three secondary lights, red and green, were once switched from the harbour master's office to control port traffic, and the three inverted domes above them act as sunshades. Locals fish from the jetty, catching mackerel in summer and gathering wild mussels on the east side.
The light is no longer in service and the tower's condition is poor, with protective netting fitted against falling masonry. The jetty is a popular fishing spot: mackerel in summer, and wild mussels can be gathered on its eastern side. The west side is only fully washed by the sea at high tides.
During World War II the tower was enclosed and buried up to mid-height by a bunker, serving as an observation post while its lower levels held ammunition. The bunker was dismantled in 1946, but the restored light only returned in 1954. Rails had earlier been laid along the jetty to move men and materials.
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