Cap d'Artrutx Lighthouse facts for kids
| Location | Cap d'Artrutx Menorca Balearic Islands Spain |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 39°55′21″N 3°49′27″E / 39.922532°N 3.824190°E |
| Year first constructed | 1859 |
| Tower shape | cylindrical tower with buttresses, double balcony and lantern |
| Markings / pattern | white tower with black bands |
| Height | 34 metres (112 ft) |
| Focal height | 45 metres (148 ft) |
| Range | 18 nautical miles (33 km; 21 mi) |
| Characteristic | Fl(3) W 10s. |
| Spain number | ES-36420 |
The Cap d'Artrutx Lighthouse or Artrutx Lighthouse (Catalan: Far d'Artrutx) is an active lighthouse built in the 1800s. It stands on a low piece of land called a headland in Menorca, a Spanish island. The lighthouse was finished in 1859. Its tower was made much taller in 1969. Since 1980, it has worked automatically. The old living area for the lighthouse keepers is now a restaurant.
What is the Cap d'Artrutx?
The Cap d'Artrutx is a piece of land at the very southwest tip of Menorca. It gives its name to the area around it. This area has modern homes and apartments. It is next to a bigger resort called Cala en Bosch. You can reach it by road or by bus from the nearby town of Ciutadella.
A long walking path called the Camí de Cavalls goes all around the island. This path passes by the Cap d'Artrutx. It marks the end of one part of the path and the start of the next.
History of the Lighthouse
.jpg)
The lighthouse was designed by an architect named Emili Pou. He planned many lighthouses in the Balearic Islands. The Cap d'Artrutx Lighthouse started working in July 1859. It used a special lens called a Fresnel lens to make its light bright. This lens was made in Paris.
The first tower was much shorter, only about 17 metres (56 feet) tall. Waves crashing into a nearby sea cave caused problems. They made the lighthouse shake and even broke glass in the lantern!
In 1967, a new plan for lighthouses in the Balearic Islands was made. It said that the Artrutx lighthouse needed to be taller. So, in 1969, a new, taller tower was built. This new tower is 34-metre-high (112 ft). It has four strong supports, called buttresses or ribs. These supports give the lighthouse a very unique shape compared to others in the area.
In 1980, the lighthouse became automated. This means it no longer needed people to operate it. The old living quarters for the lighthouse keepers were later turned into a cafe and restaurant. People now visit to eat and drink while watching the sunset from the terrace. You can visit the restaurant when it's open, but the lighthouse tower itself is closed to visitors.
In 2005, the lighthouse was named a registered historical site. This means it is an important part of Spain's history.
How the Lighthouse Works
The light from the Cap d'Artrutx Lighthouse shines from 45 metres (148 feet) above sea level. It flashes three times in white light every 10 seconds. This light can be seen from 18 nautical miles away.
The lighthouse helps guide ships through the Menorca Channel. This is a narrow body of water that separates Majorca and Menorca. On the other side of this channel is another lighthouse from the 1800s, at Capdepera. It was also designed by Emili Pou.
The Port Authority of the Balearic Islands manages and takes care of the lighthouse. It has special international numbers for ships to identify it.
See also
In Spanish: Faro de Artrutx para niños
- List of lighthouses in Spain
- List of lighthouses in the Balearic Islands
