Cacilhas Lighthouse, Maritime lighthouse in Cacilhas, Portugal
The Cacilhas Lighthouse is a red cylindrical tower made of cast iron standing 15 meters tall on the Tagus River's edge near Lisbon. The structure sits close to the waterfront and remains clearly visible from across the river.
The tower began operating on December 31, 1885, using an oil-fueled light system with a fifth-order Fresnel lens. After years in the Azores, it later returned to Cacilhas where it is now part of a museum.
The lighthouse's name reflects its location at the mouth of the Tagus River. Today it serves as a tangible reminder of Portugal's maritime past when visitors observe the red tower standing against the river's expanse.
Visitors can reach the lighthouse from Cacilhas ferry terminal, which operates regular services from Lisbon across the river. The waterfront location makes it easy to find and offers good views from several spots along the shore.
Between 1935 and 1978, the tower displayed green paint instead of red and emitted green light signals visible across a considerable distance. This unusual color change reflects a period when maritime navigation systems were evolving.
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