Calella Lighthouse facts for kids
| Location | Calella Province of Barcelona Catalonia Spain |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 41°36′29″N 2°38′47″E / 41.608107°N 2.646399°E |
| Year first constructed | 1859 |
| Construction | masonry tower |
| Tower shape | cylindrical tower with double balcony and lantern |
| Markings / pattern | white tower, glass lantern |
| Height | 13 metres (43 ft) |
| Focal height | 50 metres (160 ft) |
| Original lens | original 3rd order Fresnel lens |
| Range | 18 nmi (33 km) |
| Characteristic | Fl (3+2) W 20s. |
| Spain number | ES-30810 |
The Calella Lighthouse is an important and active lighthouse. It is located in the beautiful coastal town of Calella. This town is part of the Costa del Maresme area in Catalonia, Spain. It stands about 58 kilometers (36 miles) northeast of the big city of Barcelona.
Building the Calella Lighthouse
Work on the Calella Lighthouse began a long time ago. Construction started on October 9, 1856. An engineer named Marià Parellada was the person in charge. He oversaw the entire building project. The lighthouse was officially opened and started guiding ships on December 15, 1859.
How the Light Works
The Calella Lighthouse stands tall at 50 meters (about 164 feet) above the sea. This height helps its light shine far across the water. The light can be seen for about 18 nautical miles (33 kilometers). This makes it very useful for ships navigating the coast.
Lighthouses like Calella's use a special lens. The original lens here is a "3rd order Fresnel lens." This type of lens helps to focus the light. It makes the light beam very strong and bright. This way, sailors can see it from a great distance.
Why Lighthouses Are Important
Lighthouses play a crucial role in maritime safety. They act like traffic lights for ships. They guide boats and ships safely along the coast. Lighthouses warn sailors about dangerous areas. These can include rocky shores or shallow waters.
They also help ships find their way at night or in bad weather. Each lighthouse has a unique light pattern. This pattern is called a "characteristic." It helps sailors know exactly which lighthouse they are seeing. The Calella Lighthouse has a specific flash pattern. This makes it easy to identify for anyone at sea.
