List of lighthouses in Uruguay facts for kids
A lighthouse is a tall tower with a bright light at the top. Lighthouses are super important because they help ships find their way safely, especially at night or in bad weather. They warn sailors about dangerous coastlines, rocks, and shallow waters, guiding them to safe harbors. Think of them as giant flashlights for the sea!
Uruguay, with its long coastline along the Río de la Plata and the Atlantic Ocean, has many lighthouses. These beacons have guided countless ships over the years, playing a big part in the country's history and trade.
Famous Lighthouses of Uruguay
Uruguay is home to several important lighthouses, each with its own story and unique features. Here are some of them:
Cabo Polonio Lighthouse
The Cabo Polonio Lighthouse is one of Uruguay's most famous lighthouses. It was built in 1881 and stands tall at 40 meters (131 feet) above the sea. Its light flashes white every 12 seconds and can be seen from about 22 nautical miles away. This lighthouse is located in Cabo Polonio, a unique and beautiful natural area that can only be reached by special vehicles or by walking through the dunes.
Cabo Santa Maria Lighthouse
Built in 1874, the Cabo Santa Maria Lighthouse is located in La Paloma. It's 42 meters (138 feet) high and its powerful white light flashes once every 60 seconds. This light can be seen from up to 20 nautical miles away, making it a crucial guide for ships approaching the coast.
Colonia del Sacramento Lighthouse
The Colonia del Sacramento Lighthouse was built in 1857 in the historic city of Colonia del Sacramento. It stands 34 meters (112 feet) tall. Its light flashes red every 9 seconds and has a range of 11 nautical miles. This lighthouse is a well-known landmark in a city that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
El Cerro de Montevideo Lighthouse
This lighthouse, built in 1802, is located at the Fortress of El Cerro in Montevideo. It's quite high up, at 148 meters (486 feet) above sea level, because it's on a hill. Its light flashes three times in 10 seconds and can be seen from 19 nautical miles away. It's one of the oldest lighthouses in Uruguay.
Isla de Flores Lighthouse
The Isla de Flores Lighthouse, built in 1828, is on Isla de Flores, an island near Montevideo. It's 37 meters (121 feet) tall and its light flashes white twice every 16 seconds. It has a range of 19 nautical miles. This lighthouse is important for guiding ships into the port of Montevideo.
Isla de Lobos Lighthouse
Located on Isla de Lobos, this lighthouse was built in 1906. It's the tallest lighthouse in Uruguay, standing at 66 meters (217 feet) high. Its light flashes white every 5 seconds and can be seen from an impressive 23 nautical miles away. The island is also famous for its large colony of sea lions!
Punta Brava Lighthouse
The Punta Brava Lighthouse, built in 1876, is located in Punta Carretas, a neighborhood in Montevideo. It's 21 meters (69 feet) tall. Its light alternates between white and red flashes every 10 seconds, and it can be seen from 15 nautical miles away.
Punta del Este Lighthouse
Built in 1860, the Punta del Este Lighthouse is a famous landmark in the popular resort town of Punta del Este. It stands 44 meters (144 feet) high. Its light flashes white every 8 seconds and has a range of 21 nautical miles.
Punta José Ignacio Lighthouse
This lighthouse, built in 1877, is located in the Maldonado Department. It's 32 meters (105 feet) tall and its light flashes white every 2 seconds. It can be seen from 15 nautical miles away, helping ships navigate this part of the coast.
Punta Palmar Lighthouse
The Punta Palmar Lighthouse was built more recently, in 1984, in Punta del Diablo. It's 21 meters (69 feet) tall and its light flashes white every 6 seconds. It has a range of 10 nautical miles.
Other Lighthouses
Uruguay has many other lighthouses that play important roles, even if they are smaller or less famous. Some of these include:
- Aéreo de Rincón del Bonete Lighthouse: Built in 1938, but it has been inactive since 1994.
- Arroyo Riachuelo East Mole Lighthouse: Helps guide ships near the Arroyo Riachuelo.
- Escollera Sarandí Lighthouse: Located in Montevideo, its light flashes red every 3 seconds.
- Isla Gorriti Lighthouse: On Gorriti Island, its light flashes green every 5 seconds.
- Isla Martín García Lighthouse: Located on Martín García Island, its light flashes yellow twice every 10 seconds.
- La Panela Lighthouse: Built in 1984 in the Río de la Plata, its light flashes four times every 10 seconds.
- Maria Victoria Lighthouse: Its light flashes white and red every 4 seconds.
- Montevideo Catedral Lighthouse: Built in 1862, but it has been inactive since 1910.
- Monumento Artigas Lighthouse: Located in Punta del Diablo, its light flashes white every 5 seconds.
- Piedra Diamante Lighthouse: In the Río de la Plata, its light flashes white twice every 6 seconds.
- Piriápolis Outer Breakwater Lighthouse: Its light flashes red every 5 seconds.
- Puerto del Buceo East Breakwater Lighthouse: Located in Buceo, its light flashes red every 5 seconds.
- Puerto del Buceo West Breakwater Lighthouse: Also in Buceo, its light flashes green every 5 seconds.
- Punta del Este West Breakwater Lighthouse: Its light flashes red every 5 seconds.
- Punta Negra Lighthouse: Located in Punta Negra, its light flashes white every 5 seconds.
- Sebastian Cabot Lighthouse: In the San Juan River, its light flashes green every 5 seconds.
- Yacht Club Uruguayo Lighthouse: Built in 1939 in Buceo, its light flashes white every 4 seconds.
Images for kids
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Aéreo de Rincón del Bonete Lighthouse
See also
In Spanish: Anexo:Faros de Uruguay para niños
- Lists of lighthouses and lightvessels
