FINISTERRE LIGHTHOUSE
Table of Contents
what is the Finisterre lighthouse?
The lighthouse of Finisterre The lighthouse is located in Spain in the region of Galicia and stands on a rock overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The lighthouse fascinates visitors with its centuries-old history, as since ancient times it was considered by the Romans as the end point of the known world, from which it takes its name of Latin origin, “Finis Terrae”.
The light of the lighthouse at night has guided and continues to guide navigators through the tempestuous waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The Finisterre lighthouse represents a symbol of strength, resilience and hope, a silent witness to the history and dreams of generations of pilgrims.
Galicia travels organises excursions to FINISTERRE, MUXÍA, COSTA DA MORTE every day and the lighthouse of finisterre is a stop on our itinerary.
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Finisterre, Muxía, Costa da Morte
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ITS OWN HISTORY
The lighthouse of Finisterre, which is 2.30 hours from the beach of Catedrales. It was built in 1853, but its origins go back much further. Over the centuries, this lighthouse has witnessed countless shipwrecks, including that of 28 October 1596 of the 25 ships that formed part of Philip’s Second Invincible Armada and that of 1870, when the Monitor Captain sank with 482 crew members on board.
Fog makes it difficult to see the headlight. Therefore, in 1888, a siren was inserted to warn ships of the danger of coming too close to the coast. It was called La Vaca de Fisterra, it is the work of Ángel García del Hoyo. It is currently non-functional, but can emit very loud sounds per minute.
Despite the modernisation of the navigation systems, the Finisterre lighthouse Its bright, constant light illuminates the nights and serves as a beacon for sailors navigating stormy waters, but beyond its practical function, the Finisterre lighthouse has become a popular tourist attraction, welcoming visitors from all over the world who come to contemplate its majesty and enjoy the spectacular sea views it offers.
ARCHITECTURE OF THE FINISTERRE LIGHTHOUSE
The lighthouse was designed in 1853 in neoclassical style by engineer Felix Uhagon. The tower is made of masonry and has an octagonal base, 17 m high.
The upper part of the tower is painted white, while the lower part is rough. This contrast makes the headlamp distinguishable, making it visible both day and night.
The lighthouse tower is crowned with a wrought-iron lantern. The lighthouse light is 143 m above sea level and reaches more than 23 nautical miles.
As soon as it was built, it was powered by oil lamps. After several renovations, these were replaced by flashing lamps and later the Semaphore and Siren were added.
The architecture of the Lighthouse of Finisterre in Galicia blends harmoniously with the surrounding landscape and this combination of functionality and attractive design makes the Finisterre Lighthouse not only a vital element for navigation but also a point of attraction for visitors who appreciate maritime architecture.
Read also : WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN FINISTERRE
Camiño dos Faros
The “Camino dos Faros” is a hiking route that runs along the coast of Galicia. Spain. This route was created to allow visitors to discover and enjoy the magnificent lighthouses along the Atlantic coast.
The Lighthouse Way stretches for some 200 km, passing through a variety of breathtaking landscapes. Along the way, hikers encounter a number of historic lighthouses, some still in operation, which serve as landmarks for navigators.
This adventure offers not only the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the Galician coast, but also to immerse yourself in the culture and history of the region. On the way, you can visit old fishing villages, taste the delicious local gastronomy including Galician tapas and Galician cheese.
The route can be adapted according to the abilities of each hiker, so it has several stages and is suitable for hikers of different levels of experience and is a precious opportunity to live an unforgettable experience in contact with wild nature and the hidden treasures of the Galician coast.
The Lighthouse Trail offers an unforgettable adventure, where you can immerse yourself in the beauty and magic of these ancient guardians of the coasts.
Some tips for you!
If you want to finish your visit to this magnificent lighthouse, we recommend you to go to Taberna Arco da Vella to taste the typical Galician wines.
Our agency organises excursions to Finisterre, Muxía, Costa da Morte every day, including: transport, audioguides and travel insurance, excursions are in Italian and English, but audioguides are available in several languages.