Aveiro Lighthouse, Maritime lighthouse in Gafanha da Nazaré, Portugal
Aveiro Lighthouse is a cylindrical stone tower with a two-story rectangular base painted with alternating red and white horizontal bands. The structure rises approximately 62 meters (203 feet) and stands as a prominent landmark on the coast of Gafanha da Nazaré.
Construction of the lighthouse took place between 1879 and 1893, replacing earlier navigation aids in the region. The structure assumed warning functions that were previously handled by a nearby hermitage, marking a shift to modern maritime safety methods.
The lighthouse serves as a navigation marker for local fishermen and boat operators who have relied on it for generations to find their way. Its red and white stripes make it recognizable from far away and have become part of how people see this coastal area.
Visitors can enter the lighthouse on certain days and climb the interior staircase to reach the top. Wearing comfortable shoes is advisable since the climb involves many steps, and it is best to check opening times in advance as these can vary seasonally.
Inside the lighthouse sits a specialized optical lens that has been sending structured light signals since the early 20th century. This piece of technology works through a clever optical design and allows the light to reach ships many miles away at sea.
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