Paphos Lighthouse is a well known lighthouse on the island of Cyprus, near to the city of Paphos. It is sited on a peninsula known as Paphos point which extends into the Mediterranean Sea, at the south western end of the island.[1][2]

Paphos Lighthouse
Map
LocationPaphos, Cyprus
Coordinates34°45′38″N 32°24′23″E / 34.7606°N 32.4063°E / 34.7606; 32.4063
Tower
Constructed1888
Constructionstone tower
Height20 metres (66 ft)
Shapecylindrical tower with balcony and lantern
Markingswhite tower
Light
Focal height36 metres (118 ft)
Range17 nautical miles (31 km; 20 mi)
CharacteristicFl W 15s.

Built in 1888, when Cyprus was under British administration, the island was a key military base protecting the route of ships travelling through the Suez Canal to the colonies. The light acted as a landfall marker for shipping destined for Paphos harbour from Britain.[1]

The 20m high whitewashed masonry tower has a single gallery and lantern. Enclosing the tower is a compound containing the keeper's house and outbuildings.[1]

With a focal height of 36m above the sea, its light can be seen for 17 nautical miles, and consists of a long flash of white light every fifteen seconds.[1][2][3]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d Rowlett, Russ. "Lighthouses of the Republic of Cyprus". The Lighthouse Directory. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Retrieved 10 January 2015.
  2. ^ a b "Oil Terminals and Lighthouses". Cyprus Ports. Cyprus Ports Authority. Archived from the original on 22 January 2015. Retrieved 10 January 2015.
  3. ^ List of Lights, Pub. 113: The West Coasts of Europe and Africa, the Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea and Azovskoye More (Sea of Azov) (PDF). List of Lights. United States National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency.