Vila Real de Santo António Lighthouse, Maritime lighthouse in Vila Real de Santo António, Portugal
Vila Real de Santo António Lighthouse is a white concrete tower rising 46 meters along the Guadiana River near the Spanish border. Its optical system helps guide ships through these waters and demonstrates the practical engineering needed to keep maritime traffic safe in this region.
Construction started in 1916 but faced difficulties with the sandy riverbed, delaying the lighthouse's opening until 1923. These technical challenges reflect the engineering obstacles that arose when building such structures on unstable ground near water.
The tower stands as a reminder of Portugal's seafaring past and its importance in connecting this region to maritime trade routes. Locals and visitors alike recognize it as a symbol of the nation's deep relationship with the ocean and navigation.
An elevator installed in 1957 allows visitors to reach the light chamber without climbing the original stairs, making the visit accessible to most people. The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon when sunlight is softer and views from the top are clearer.
The light beam reaches 26 nautical miles and flashes every 6.5 seconds, a pattern that helped sailors determine their exact location far out at sea. This rhythmic signal was so reliable that ships from both sides of the Spanish-Portuguese border used it for navigation.
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