Paard van Marken, Lighthouse in Marken, Netherlands
Paard van Marken is a lighthouse located at the eastern point of the Marken peninsula with a round brick structure dating to the 1800s. The building displays carved heraldic stones and dolphin motifs on its exterior, rising approximately 15 meters above the landscape.
The structure was built in 1839 by Amsterdam architects J. Valk and A. Koper, incorporating masonry elements with heraldic carvings from the early 1700s. It received protected monument status in 1970 as recognition of its importance to Dutch heritage.
The name 'Paard van Marken' refers to a horse figure that once stood on this peninsula, connecting the site to maritime traditions of the former fishing community. Walking around the structure, you notice how locals still view it as a symbol of their connection to the sea.
The lighthouse is accessible from the land side and remains visible throughout the year from various vantage points. Visitors should prepare for open, windy conditions and wear sturdy footwear when exploring the surrounding area.
Today the structure functions not only as a navigation aid for boats but also houses a residence and serves as a wedding venue. This unusual combination shows how maritime structures can adapt to serve multiple purposes while maintaining their original role.
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