Faro Castillo del Morro facts for kids
| Location | Havana Cuba |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 23°09′01″N 82°21′26″W / 23.150227°N 82.357204°W |
| Year first constructed | 1764 (first) 1818 (second) |
| Year first lit | 1845 (current) |
| Foundation | 1764 |
| Construction | stone masonry tower |
| Tower shape | culindrical tower with balcony and lantern |
| Markings / pattern | unpainted stone tower, grey lantern |
| Height | 25 metres (82 ft) |
| Focal height | 44 metres (144 ft) |
| Characteristic | Fl (2) W 15s. |
The Faro Castillo del Morro is a famous lighthouse located in Havana, Cuba. It stands proudly on the ramparts of the Castillo de los Tres Reyes Magos del Morro. This is an old fortress that guards the entrance to Havana's busy harbor. The lighthouse was built in 1845 and has been guiding ships ever since.
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About the Morro Lighthouse
The Morro Lighthouse is an important landmark in Havana. It helps ships find their way safely into the harbor. Lighthouses are like traffic lights for the sea. They prevent ships from hitting dangerous rocks or shallow areas.
What is a Lighthouse?
A lighthouse is a tall tower with a bright light at the top. This light shines out over the water. It helps sailors know where they are, especially at night or in bad weather. Each lighthouse has a special light pattern. This pattern is like a secret code. It tells sailors which lighthouse they are seeing.
How the Morro Lighthouse Works
The Morro Lighthouse is 25 metres (82 ft) (about 82 feet) tall. Its light is 44 metres (144 ft) (about 144 feet) above the sea. This height is called its focal height. The light itself has a unique pattern. It flashes two white lights every 15 seconds. This pattern is known as Fl.(2) 15s. Sailors use this pattern to identify the Morro Lighthouse.
History of the Morro Lighthouse
The current lighthouse was built in 1845. But there were earlier lighthouses on this spot. The first one was built in 1764. It was replaced by another one in 1818. The lighthouse you see today has been standing for a very long time. It has seen many ships come and go from Havana. It is a symbol of the city's history and its connection to the sea.
See also
- List of buildings in Havana
- Havana Harbor
- List of lighthouses in Cuba
