Faro Vargas facts for kids
| Location | Cabo Cruz Granma Province Cuba |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 19°50′28″N 77°43′36″W / 19.84111°N 77.726625°W |
| Year first constructed | 1871 |
| Construction | stone tower |
| Tower shape | cylindrical tower with balcony and lantern |
| Markings / pattern | unpainted stone tower, grey metallic lantern |
| Height | 32 metres (105 ft) |
| Focal height | 34 metres (112 ft) |
| Range | 22 nautical miles (41 km; 25 mi) |
| Characteristic | Fl W 5s. |
| Cuba number | CU-0679 |
The Faro Vargas, also known as the Faro de Cabo Cruz, is a famous lighthouse in Cuba. It stands tall on the southernmost tip of Cape Cruz. This important lighthouse has people working there to keep it running.
Its main job is to guide ships safely along the coast. It helps sailors know where they are, especially at night or in bad weather.
Building the Lighthouse
The construction of the Faro Vargas lighthouse began a long time ago, in 1862. It took several years to build this strong structure. Workers finally finished the lighthouse in 1871.
The lighthouse stands about 32 metres (105 feet) tall. It is made from sturdy stone. This makes it very strong against the ocean winds and storms.
How the Light Works
The light from Faro Vargas shines from a height of about 34 metres (112 feet) above the sea. This is called its focal height. The light itself is quite special.
It sends out one bright white flash every 5 seconds. This unique pattern helps sailors identify it. They know it's the Faro Vargas guiding them. The light can be seen from about 22 nautical miles away. That's a long distance across the water!
Why Lighthouses Are Important
Lighthouses like Faro Vargas are super important for sea travel. They act like traffic lights for ships. Before modern navigation tools, lighthouses were the main way for ships to find their way.
They warn ships about dangerous coastlines or shallow waters. They also show the way to safe harbours. Even today, with GPS and radar, lighthouses are still a vital backup. They help keep sailors and cargo safe on the ocean.
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