Cabo Mondego Lighthouse
The first Cabo Mondego lighthouse, now known as the “Old Lighthouse,” is located slightly south of the current one. It began operating in 1858 and consisted of a second-order Fresnel lens, one of the first of its kind to be installed in Portugal, with a steady white light. The lighting device was an oil-powered Carcel lamp. Its light source was 79 meters above sea level and its light reached 20 nautical miles in good weather conditions.
In 1902, after an assessment, it was concluded that the location of the lighthouse was not ideal and the construction of a new one further north was proposed. However, it was not until 1916 that a formal proposal to change the location was drawn up and construction of the new and current lighthouse began.
The current lighthouse was lit on November 20, 1922, and the “Old Lighthouse” thus ended 65 years of service. Today, only a few ruins remain, which are worth visiting.
The current lighthouse consists of a large 3rd order lenticular apparatus (50 centimeters focal length), producing groups of four equidistant white flashes every 7.5 seconds, and consists of four 90° lenses, each completing a full rotation in 30 seconds.
Over the years, the lighthouse underwent several modernizations, being electrified in 1941 with the installation of generators and the transition from a kerosene vapor lighting system to a 3000W electric incandescent lamp. In 1947, it was connected to the public power grid. In 1982, the rotation of the optical apparatus was no longer done by clockwork but by an electric motor, and the entire electrical structure was remodeled, with the lamp's power being reduced to 1000W.
Visits are guided, and all these and other details about this lighthouse and others in the network are recounted by the lighthouse keeper in great detail, revealing his pride in belonging to this class of professionals who go somewhat unnoticed, but who, even in the technological age in which we live, make a difference to thousands of lives that sail the seas every day.
During the visit, it is also possible to admire the mechanisms that were in service and have been replaced by the current ones.
It is also possible to take photos inside as a souvenir, however, we ask that the photos not be shared, which is why we have not included any of the interior, but we assure you that you will not regret visiting one of our historical landmarks.
Visiting hours
Summer period (summer time):
Wednesdays between 2pm and 5pm
Winter period (winter time):
Wednesdays between 1:30pm and 4:30pm
Outside these hours, the lighthouses can be visited by appointment for organized groups (schools, organizations, etc.).
Price: Free
Address: Barra da Figueira da Foz. Date of establishment: 1858. Latitude: 40º 11.53 N, Longitude: 08º 54.23 W.
Source: omelhorblogdomundo
Figueira da Foz