Marbella Lighthouse facts for kids
| Location | Marbell Andalusia Spain |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 36°30′26.2″N 4°53′23.9″W / 36.507278°N 4.889972°W |
| Year first constructed | 1864 (first) |
| Year first lit | 1974 (current) |
| Construction | concrete tower |
| Tower shape | cylindrical tower with double balcony and lantern |
| Markings / pattern | white tower and lantern |
| Height | 29 metres (95 ft) |
| Focal height | 35 metres (115 ft) |
| Original lens | 3rd order Barbier, Bernard & Turenne Fresnel lens |
| Range | 22 nautical miles (41 km; 25 mi) |
| Characteristic | Fl (2) W 14.5s. |
| Spain number | ES-21100 |
The Marbella Lighthouse, or Faro de Marbella in Spanish, is a very important building in Marbella, a beautiful city in southern Spain. Lighthouses are like giant helpers for ships, guiding them safely along the coast. This lighthouse has been standing tall for a long time, helping sailors find their way.
Contents
What is the Marbella Lighthouse?
The Marbella Lighthouse is a tall, cylindrical tower. It has a double balcony and a special lamp at the top called a lantern. The whole tower and its lantern are white, making it easy to spot. It stands about 29 meters (that's almost 95 feet) high. Imagine a building about nine stories tall! The light itself is even higher, at 35 meters (about 115 feet) above the sea.
How the Lighthouse Works
This lighthouse is very modern. It works all by itself because it's automatic and electric. This means no one has to be there all the time to turn the light on and off. Instead, special sensors called photoelectric cells control the light. When it gets dark, they automatically switch the light on.
The light from the Marbella Lighthouse flashes in a special pattern. It sends out two flashes every 14.5 seconds. This unique pattern helps sailors know it's the Marbella Lighthouse and not another one. Its powerful light can be seen from far away, up to 22 nautical miles (which is about 40 kilometers or 25 miles) out at sea!
History of the Marbella Lighthouse
The first Marbella Lighthouse was built way back in 1864. That's over 150 years ago! The lighthouse you see today was actually lit in 1974. So, while the idea of a lighthouse in Marbella is old, the current structure is a bit newer and uses modern technology to keep ships safe. It's a key landmark for the city and a vital tool for navigation.
See also
In Spanish: Faro de Marbella para niños
