Sancti Petri Lighthouse facts for kids
| Construction | concrete tower |
|---|---|
| Tower shape | square tower with lantern on the roof |
| Markings / pattern | unpainted tower, white lantern |
| Height | 16 metres (52 ft) |
| Focal height | 20 metres (66 ft) |
| Range | 9 nautical miles (17 km; 10 mi) |
| Spain number | ES-10630 |
The Sancti Petri Lighthouse (in Spanish: Faro de Sancti Petri) is a special building that helps ships find their way. It stands on a small island called Islote de Sancti Petri, which is located between the towns of San Fernando and Chiclana de la Frontera. These towns are in the Province of Cádiz, in the region of Andalusia, Spain. This lighthouse was first lit on October 28, 1918, and was built on top of an old, ruined castle.
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What is a Lighthouse?
A lighthouse is like a tall tower with a very bright light at the top. Its main job is to guide ships safely, especially at night or in bad weather. Lighthouses warn sailors about dangerous coastlines, rocks, or shallow waters. They also help ships know where they are and find their way to ports.
How Lighthouses Work
The light from a lighthouse shines far out over the water. Each lighthouse has a unique pattern of flashes, like a secret code. Sailors learn these patterns so they can tell which lighthouse they are seeing. This helps them figure out exactly where they are on their journey.
The Sancti Petri Lighthouse
The Sancti Petri Lighthouse is built on the ancient Sancti Petri Island. This island has a long history, including an old castle that was already in ruins. The lighthouse was cleverly placed on the highest part of this ruined castle.
Building the Lighthouse
The lighthouse was finished and started working in 1918. It is made from strong concrete. The tower is square-shaped, and the light is inside a lantern room on the roof. The tower itself is not painted, but the lantern part is white.
How Tall is it?
The Sancti Petri Lighthouse is about 16 meters (52 feet) tall. Its light shines from a height of 20 meters (66 feet) above the sea. This height helps the light be seen from far away.
How Far Can the Light Be Seen?
The light from the Sancti Petri Lighthouse can be seen up to 9 nautical miles away. A nautical mile is a unit of distance used at sea, a bit longer than a regular mile. This range helps ships spot the lighthouse from a good distance.
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