Farol de Ponta dos Capelinhos

The Farol de Ponta dos Capelinhos is a former lighthouse located on the island of Faial in the Azores, Portugal. It was constructed in 1894 and began operating in 1903. The lighthouse features an octagonal tower with a balcony and lantern rising from a 2-story keeper's house, and stands at a height of 20 meters. The tower is made of stone and is unpainted.

The lighthouse played a significant role in the island's history, particularly during the eruption of the Capelinhos volcano in 1957-58. However, due to the eruption, the lighthouse was deactivated in 1957. Today, the lighthouse is an iconic symbol on the island and is managed by the Centro de Interpretação do Vulcão dos Capelinhos. The lighthouse's history dates back to the late 19th century when navigators and officials advocated for the construction of a beacon on the tip of Faial to indicate to navigation their proximity to land.

The lighthouse's construction was a result of years of efforts by the local community and officials to improve navigation safety in the region. The lighthouse's location on the coastal peninsula of Ponta dos Capelinhos and Costa Nau made it a crucial aid to navigation, and its deactivation due to the volcanic eruption marked a significant event in the island's history. Despite its current status as a former lighthouse, the Farol de Ponta dos Capelinhos remains an important part of the island's heritage and identity.

Light and tower

It has an octagonal tower with balcony and lantern rising from a 2-story keeper's house tower. The tower is built of stone. Its daymark is unpainted tower. The light has a focal height of 70 metres. Its light characteristic is <nowiki>Fl W 7 s</nowiki>. It carries a <nowiki>500 mm Focal Distance</nowiki> lens. It was first lit in 1903. It is managed by Centro de Interpretação do Vulcão dos Capelinhos.

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Farol Da Ponta Dos Capelinhos