Cabo Sardão Lighthouse, Maritime navigation lighthouse near Cavaleiro, Portugal.
Cabo Sardão Lighthouse is a navigation facility in a coastal village in southern Portugal, consisting of a white square tower and an attached one-story keeper's house. The tower itself measures about 17 meters tall and has a red cylindrical lantern at its top, while the keeper's house provided a practical base for lighthouse operators.
The idea for this lighthouse emerged in 1883, but actual construction only began in 1902 after a dedicated commission was formed to oversee the project. Operations started in 1915, marking an important moment in Portugal's efforts to improve coastal lighting.
The name Sardão comes from an older settlement on these cliffs, and the lighthouse today draws visitors interested in the rugged coastal landscape and views across the water. The quiet simplicity of the site lets visitors observe how the lighthouse connects to the sea and its surroundings.
Access to this lighthouse is best achieved on foot via coastal paths from São Teotónio. Visitors should wear proper footwear and bring protection from wind, as the clifftop location is exposed and weather can change quickly.
The tower stands on the inland side of its neighboring building, which is unusual for lighthouses and suggests the construction plans may have been rotated 180 degrees. This unexpected arrangement makes the site particularly interesting for those curious about maritime architecture and its practical challenges.
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