Cabo Prior Lighthouse facts for kids
| Location | Province of A Coruña, Galicia, Spain |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 43°34′03″N 8°18′52″W / 43.56761°N 8.31453°W |
| Year first constructed | 1853 |
| Height | 8 metres (26 ft) |
| Focal height | 107 metres (351 ft) |
| Range | 22 nautical miles (41 km; 25 mi) |
The Cabo Prior Lighthouse (in Spanish, Faro de Cabo Prior) is an active lighthouse in Spain. It was built in the 1800s. You can find it on a cape called Cabo Prior, in the region of Galicia. This lighthouse stands on a tall cliff, about 14 kilometers (9 miles) northwest of the city of Ferrol. There are steps leading down from the lighthouse to a great spot to view the Atlantic Ocean.
History of Cabo Prior Lighthouse
Even before the modern lighthouse was built, this cape was important. Ancient geographers like Strabo used this granite point as a landmark. It helped sailors know they were at the northwestern end of the Iberian Peninsula. Today, it is still used on navigation charts and maps.
In Roman times, around the 1st century BC, sailors knew the waters here were rough. But this area was good for trading metals like silver, gold, tin, and iron. They also traded wild horses. The Atlantic Ocean was dangerous for wooden ships. Luckily, there was a large natural port nearby. This port, called Portus Magnus Artabrorum, protected ships. It was formed by three bays: Ferrol, Betanzos, and Corunna.
The modern lighthouse was built in 1853. It has an 8-meter (26-foot) tall hexagonal tower. The tower has a lantern and a walkway around it. It sits on the ocean side of a one-story house. The buildings were once white but are now beige. They have nice stone details.
Over the years, the lighthouse used different equipment to shine its light.
- In 1853, it had an optic that made a steady white light.
- In 1904, a new system was added. It used rotating shutters and an oil lamp. This made the light flash in a special pattern.
- In 1926, a new optic was installed. A clockwork system powered by a weight kept the light going for 8 hours.
The lighthouse became electric in 1974. It got a new, larger optic and a powerful 1500 Watt lamp. Generators provided the electricity. An electromagnetic foghorn was also added. It made a Morse code "P" sound every 25 seconds. This sound could be heard up to 7 nautical miles away.
In 1993, the lighthouse keepers (called torreros) left the lighthouse. The foghorn was then stopped. In 1995, the lighthouse was updated again. Now, the light can be watched from far away by the port authority. The generators were also replaced. New 1000 Watt halogen lamps were used for the light. In 2007, the lighthouse buildings were fixed up. They were painted beige, and new wood and shutters were added.
How Cabo Prior Lighthouse Works
The Cabo Prior Lighthouse works with the Cabo Prioriño Lighthouse. Together, they guide ships into the bay and port at Ferrol and A Coruña.
The light is 107 meters (351 feet) above the sea. This means its light can be seen for 22 nautical miles (about 41 kilometers or 25 miles). It flashes three times in a special pattern every fifteen seconds.
This lighthouse is listed under the international Admiralty number D1692. Its NGA number is 113-2460. The Ferrol Port Authority manages and operates it.
See also
In Spanish: Faro de Cabo Prior para niños
