Aids to navigation are special structures like lighthouses, lightships, beacons, buoys, etc that are used to enhance safety. These lights and marks are prescribed across the world by the International Association of Lighthouse Authorities (IALA).
CAPO SANTA CROCE LIGHTHOUSE in Italian as FARO DI CAPO SANTA CROCE is an active lighthouse located at the extreme tip of the cape, marking the northern end of the Gulf in the municipality of Augusta on the Ionian Sea.
The lighthouse was built in 1859 with the proclamation of the Kingdom of Italy that passed to the Regia Marina. In 1932 the lighthouse underwent to a restoration. During World War II it was a coastal observation point operated by the Regia Marina; in July 1943 when the area was subjected to bombardment by the British, the Italian staff left the lighthouse. At the end of the war the lighthouse turned to the Marina Militare and the keeper got his job back until 1979, when he retired and was no longer replaced as the lighthouse was automated.
The lighthouse consists of a limestone cylindrical tower, 27 metres (89 ft) high, with balcony and lantern attached to the seaward side of 1 storey keeper’s house. The tower and the lantern are white; the lantern dome is grey metallic. The light is positioned at 39 metres (128 ft) above sea level and emits two long white flashes in a 12 seconds period visible up to a distance of 16 nautical miles (30 km; 18 mi). The lighthouse is completely automated and managed by the Italian Coast Guard (Guardia Costiera) with the identification code number 2820 E.F.
Photos by Capt. Lawrence Dalli. Do not use these images without my permission. © All rights reserved. Malta Ship Photos & Action Photos – www.maltashipphotos.com
Published – Wednesday 19th February 2020