Top 10 Tallest Lighthouses

The World’s Top 10 Tallest Lighthouses

A lighthouse is a vital structure for maritime navigation. Its basic structure typically consists of a tower that emits a powerful beam or periodic flashes of light to guide merchant ships, sailors, or navigators to their destination. These lighthouses are often located in dangerous coastal areas, with rugged terrain or inclement weather conditions.

Since ancient times, people have built lighthouses to facilitate maritime trade and ensure safe navigation. The Romans and Phoenicians constructed the first lighthouses in the Mediterranean to mark their trade routes. However, with advances in navigation technology, such as efficient electric lighting, modern lighthouses were constructed in the early 18th century.

Although ships are equipped with navigation systems, lighthouses remain useful in the event that advanced systems malfunction.

In our previous articles, we mentioned the world’s ten most beautiful lighthouses and the ten most beautiful hotels with lighthouses; however, we omitted some of the tallest ones.

In this article, we will analyze the world’s tallest lighthouses and rank them by height.

1. Jeddah Light

The Jeddah Lighthouse holds the Guinness World Record for being the world’s tallest lighthouse. Located near the North Gate of the Islamic Port of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, it is a masterpiece of engineering. Standing majestically at 133 meters (431 feet), it was completed in 1990.

Designed by a Saudi architect, it is a white cylindrical structure constructed of concrete and steel. The top of the Jeddah Lighthouse also features an observation deck with an open balcony, offering views out to 27 nautical miles. The panoramic views of the sea and horizon are breathtaking.

In addition to serving as a lighthouse, it also serves as the conning tower for the Port of Jeddah, facilitating port operations and rescue services. It flashes nine times per minute. With its majestic architecture and towering tower, the Jeddah Lighthouse is a famous tourist attraction in the city. Since visitors cannot enter the port facilities, they can only admire the magnificent tower from afar, take a boat tour of the nearby waters, or browse the markets near the Port of Jeddah.

2. Perry Memorial Monument

As the name suggests, the Perry Monument commemorates the American heroes who fought in the War of 1812 near South Bass Island. A symbol of lasting peace between Britain, Canada, and the United States, it witnessed the intense wars and military conflicts of the 19th century. It is a significant monument, bearing witness to a pivotal period in American history.

It stands 107.29 meters (352 feet) tall and was built in phases, designed by various architects. Its final inauguration was in 1915. Overlooking Lake Erie, the tower is inscribed with the names of soldiers who died during the war.

The monument consists of a massive concrete structure supported by a platform, an elegant white staircase, and a low-rise building complex. The walls and steps of the monument are constructed of granite. However, due to funding constraints, the monument was not paved but instead covered with crushed stone. The columns of this magnificent monument are composed of 2,500 granite blocks.

On June 2, 1936, President Franklin D. Roosevelt proclaimed it a monument. After the war, two lighthouses were built atop the monument, and due to its location and national significance, it became a beacon. Today, it serves as an important landmark, facilitating navigation.

3. Yokohama Marine Tower

Constructed in 1961, Yokohama Marine Tower stands 106 meters tall, making it one of the tallest lighthouses in the world. It is also a popular leisure destination, located in Yamashita Park, offering stunning views of Yokohama Port.

The tower features a unique and stunning illumination, alternating red and green, three times every 60 seconds. At night, the tower’s antenna glows white. The 29th-floor observation deck offers visitors a visual feast, overlooking the Minato Mirai area.

Its unique illumination design is striking, alternating red and green, flashing three times every 60 seconds. At night, the tower’s antenna glows white. The tower’s 29th-floor observation deck offers visitors a visual feast, with views of Minato Mirai, Yokohama Bridge, and even Mount Fuji or Tokyo Skytree on clear days.

Renovation work on the lighthouse began in 2006, and two years later, in 2009, it opened to the public to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Port of Yokohama. Since then, the lighthouse has not only aided navigation but also become a popular destination for couples and a fun-filled getaway. The lighthouse remains illuminated throughout the night, and numerous restaurants, bars, clubs, and exhibition halls have opened within its walls.

4. Bicentennial Lighthouse

This magnificent structure, located in Córdoba, Argentina, was built to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the May Revolution and the founding of the Argentine National Government. It embodies the country’s past achievements and is considered a significant national landmark. Designed by Alejandro Cohen, the lighthouse was officially inaugurated in 2011, just eight months after construction began. Its total construction cost 9 million pesos.

Located in Sarmiento Park, the lighthouse stands 263 feet (80 meters) tall, and with the antenna, it reaches a height of 335 feet (102 meters). The lighthouse embodies Expressionist architecture and is particularly beautiful when illuminated at night. A circular staircase leads to the top, but the lighthouse is not open to the public.

This lighthouse is not only a beacon but also a vibrant tourist destination. The base of the 1,500-square-meter building features several halls and rooms for cultural events, including art and painting exhibitions.

5. Palacio Barolo

The Barolo Palace is now an administrative building in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Completed in 1923, it became the tallest building in the city and in all of South America, second only to the Cabanapa Tower. The Barolo Palace houses administrative offices, a Spanish language school, and a clothing store selling festival attire.

Originally designed by architect Mario Parenti, the building embodies the eclectic architectural style. Commissioned by the wealthy merchant Luis Barolo, the building’s structure embodies Dante’s Divine Comedy. The 22-story structure is divided into three sections, symbolizing Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise.

The building stands 330 feet (100.5 meters) tall and is topped by a lighthouse and illuminated beacon, visible even from distant locations like Uruguay. The beacon was later added to the structure to welcome and honor travelers crossing the Atlantic Ocean to the mouth of the Río Plata. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1997.

6. Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty was a gift from France to the United States, symbolizing American independence. This massive bronze statue, standing 305 feet (93 meters) tall, was declared a lighthouse by order of President Grover. Consequently, it came under the jurisdiction of the Lighthouse Board in 1886.

The statue’s torch and foot were equipped with upward-firing electric lights to enhance visibility and aid navigation for ships and small craft entering New York Harbor during inclement weather. It was the first lighthouse in the United States to use electricity.

However, in 1902, the Statue of Liberty ceased to function as a lighthouse, and its power was transferred to the U.S. War Department. Albert Littlefield, the Statue’s chief custodian, was dismissed from his position. This neoclassical work of art continues to be esteemed as a lighthouse, although it is no longer in operation and is designated a National Monument.

7. The Île Vierge Lighthouse

The Virgin Islands Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse in Europe. Located in the small village of Plouguiernot in the Finistere department of France, it is a traditional building dating back to the early 20th century. It features 365 spiral staircases, each representing a day of the year.

The interior of the lighthouse is clad in azure agate to protect it from moisture and rust. The exterior is made of granite and adorned with navigation lights. The lighting system is fully automated, emitting a flashing white light every 30 seconds.

This lighthouse, approximately 83 meters high and built in 1897, is renowned for its immense size and the popular French folk tale associated with it. Located on a hill, it is accessible from all directions. The Virgin Islands are a major tourist destination for their breathtaking sunsets.

In summer, the Virgin Islands are bustling with tourists, some hiking in groups, others joining local fishermen to admire the tranquil stone lighthouse. It has provided guidance for sailors and even the Navy since the late 18th century.

8. Genoa Lighthouse

The Genoa Lighthouse, built in 1128, is located on Capo di Faro Hill. In the Middle Ages, the Genoese used a fire here to guide ships and sailors. The lighthouse was restored in the 1980s, equipped with electric lighting, and opened to the public in 1994.

The lighthouse, known as “Lanterna” by the Genoese, is nearly 900 years old. In addition to serving as the city’s main port lighthouse, it remains the most important lighthouse in Italy and still has a keeper.

At approximately 76 meters (250 feet) tall, the lighthouse is the tallest in the Mediterranean and one of the oldest structures still in use. Its beam can be seen over 50 kilometers away.

As a significant landmark of the city, the highest point of the Genoa Lighthouse is controlled by the military and accessible to the public via a climb of 172 steps. The Lighthouse Museum, located near the lighthouse, showcases exhibits that explore the city’s history and development.

9. Phare de Gatteville

Gatteville Lighthouse, also known as Cape Barfleur Lighthouse, is located at the tip of Barfleur in Normandy, France. Standing 75 meters tall, it is the third-tallest traditional nautical structure in the world.

The lighthouse is cylindrical in shape, with a balcony on top containing a lantern. It is illuminated by two xenon lamps: one for daylight and one for nightlight. It has 365 steps and 12 levels, representing the days and months of the year.

Located near the English Channel, it facilitates navigation around Cape Barfleur, a region littered with shipwrecks and prone to strong winds. It is also a popular tourist attraction offering beautiful sunrise views. Restored in the early 20th century, it opened in 1996. Following the renovation, a small lighthouse museum was built at its base, documenting its history.

10. Lesnoy Mole Rear Range Light

Lesnoy Pier Lighthouse is a lighthouse located in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Made of metal, with a red and white pattern, it stands 73 meters (293 feet) tall and is located near the port of Saint Petersburg. It is the tallest traditional lighthouse in Russia and the fourth tallest in the world. Built in 1986 to cope with the port’s growing traffic and facilitate the entry of merchant ships.

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