Kolka lighthouse, National industrial lighthouse at Cape Kolka, Latvia
Kolka lighthouse is a white cylindrical structure standing 21 meters tall at Cape Kolka, positioned where the Baltic Sea meets the Gulf of Riga. The beacon sits on an artificial island and marks one of the most critical navigation points along the Latvian coast.
The structure was built in 1875 by the Russian Imperial Navy to support growing maritime trade along the Latvian coast. Its construction reflects Russia's strategic interest in securing safe passage through this busy waterway.
The lighthouse forms part of the local maritime identity, connected to families who have worked these waters and depended on safe passage for their livelihoods. Visitors can see how this structure remains central to the region's relationship with the sea.
The lighthouse sits at the very tip of Cape Kolka and is best reached on foot from the nearby lighthouse museum or visitor area. The location is exposed and windy, especially when wind comes off the water, so warm clothing is advisable year-round.
The lighthouse was built on an artificial island created specifically for this purpose, requiring local fishermen to transport construction materials across the water. This unusual building method made the project a remarkable engineering feat for its era.
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