Top 10 most famous lighthouses in the world
For centuries, lighthouses have kept sailing ships safe and saved lives. Deceptive lights lured seafarers into traps, sometimes leaving no chance of rescue. Now almost all lighthouses operate autonomously. The romantic profession of lighthouse keeper is a thing of the past, but lighthouse beacons are still part of the curriculum at yachting schools.
1. Maiden Tower, Turkey
One of the most romantic and beautiful places in Istanbul, a symbol of the great city. The Maiden Tower is steeped in legends of love. But the life of the small fortress was not like a romantic fairy tale. Several times the tower burned, because in ancient times it was wooden. At different times it served as an isolation hospital during cholera outbreaks, a prison, a military communication center, and a cultural center. Sailing ships passed by it for several centuries, to which it illuminated the way as a lighthouse.
Now the tower is a restaurant, bar and cafe, and serves as a wedding venue. The lighthouse remains, though - a tiny red-and-white extension signals ships every three seconds.
2. La Vieille and Thévennec, France
Sailing sailors have known since ancient times how dangerous the Atlantic coast of France is, with its reefs and underwater rocks. To keep sailing ships safe, the beautiful and majestic La Vieille was built in the mid-19th century. Soon the Tevennec was erected to assist it. Together they form a security gate through which ships enter the port of Brest.
3. Quereon, France
A unique monument of architecture on the high seas. It is often called the “Sea Palace”. The twisted wrought iron staircase and wooden interior make it look like a king's retreat.
It is the last inhabited lighthouse; the keeper left in 2004.
4. La Jumiène, France
It took 7 years to build this beautiful 100 meter lighthouse in the dangerous waters of Brittany. It was made famous around the world by Jean Guichard's photographs. From a helicopter, he took a picture of the huge wave that covered the lighthouse and the keeper on the observation deck.
5. Aniva, Russia
An abandoned lighthouse on Cape Aniva, Sakhalin Island, created by Miuro Shinodu.
In 1990, due to domestic difficulties, not a single person remained at the lighthouse. Atomic isotope elements were installed and the light of the lighthouse was visible for 28 km.
Now the lighthouse is still beautiful, although it is in poor condition.
6. Bell Rock, Scotland
Got its name from the rock on which it was built. The oldest surviving lighthouse in the world, of those that are permanently washed by the sea. Bell Rock is considered one of the 7 wonders of the industrialized world, due to the difficulties encountered during construction.
7. Lindau Lighthouse, Germany
The southernmost lighthouse in Germany, on Lake Constance, a favorite spot for tourists from all over the world. Otherwise known as the New Lighthouse. Opposite it is a mall with a statue of a lion, the symbol of Bavaria. Together they form the gateway to the harbor of Lindau. A clock is built into the facade of the lighthouse, which is extremely rare in lighthouse architecture.
8. Jeddah Light, Saudi Arabia
One of the newest lighthouses in the world, recognized as the tallest. This unusual structure with a cylindrical tower at the top lights the way for ships at a distance of 40 km.
9. Enoshima, Japan
The lighthouse opened in 2009 and is often referred to as the “Candle of the Sea”. At different times of the year, the lighthouse is illuminated in different colors. In the fall and winter Mount Fuji can be seen from the lighthouse.
10. Tower of Hercules, Spain
The only working lighthouse in the world, built during the Roman Empire. For 2000 years it helped sailing ships find their way home.
The lighthouse is a monument of national importance of Spain, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Interestingly, on International Lighthouse Day, the third weekend of August, people all over the world light a symbolic candle to illuminate the way home for all ships.
