Santo Antonio da Barra Lighthouse

The Santo Antonio da Barra Lighthouse, also known as the Barra Lighthouse, is located in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. It stands at the tip of the Padrão, a point to the south of Salvador, and marks the entrance to the Bay of All Saints. The current lighthouse was built in 1839 and is a 22-meter-high tapered tower constructed of masonry, painted with black and white bands. It features a Fresnel lens dating back to 1890 and has a range of 18 miles in clear weather.

The lighthouse is situated within the Santo Antônio da Barra Fort, a historic structure that was listed as a historic site in 1938. The fort and lighthouse were originally built to serve as a defense against the Atlantic slave trade and to guide ships into the bay. The first lighthouse at the site was built in the 17th century, using rammed earth, and was later replaced by the current structure, which was dedicated by Dom Pedro II of Brazil.

The Santo Antonio da Barra Lighthouse has a rich history, dating back to the 17th century when it was built to support the expansion of commerce and slavery in Bahia. Over the years, it has undergone several changes, including the replacement of its original whale oil-powered lamp with a more modern kerosene lamp and later with electric light. Today, the lighthouse is maintained by the Brazilian Navy and remains an important maritime aid in the region.

Light and tower

It has a conical tower. The light has a focal height of 39 metres. The light has a range of 38 nautical miles. It carries a 1890: [[Fresnel lens]] lens. It was first lit in 1839. The NGA list of lights numbers it 18028. The Admiralty list of lights numbers it G0242.

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Fortes do Brasil: Forte de Santo Antônio da Barra (Salvador - BA)