MIAMI, United States. – Lighthouses have been invaluable guides for sailors since time immemorial, and in an archipelago like Cuba, these luminous giants not only represent safety for navigation, but are also witnesses to the nation’s history.
Distributed along the Cuban coasts, lighthouses are part of the national heritage and have been essential for the protection of vessels in a natural environment that presents countless challenges.
Throughout the 19th century, when the Cuban government began to show interest in lighting the coasts, more than 30 lighthouses were erected throughout the country. They not only served to guide sailors to safe ports, but also helped prevent frequent shipwrecks and accidents in the waters surrounding the archipelago.
The Morro Castle of the Three Kings Lighthouse: a symbol of Havana
One of the most iconic lighthouses in Cuba is the one in Castle of the Three Kings of Morrolocated at the entrance to Havana Bay. This lighthouse, which dates back to the early 19th century, has undergone several transformations, from the use of gas lamps to the implementation of an innovative rotating lighting system that allowed its light to be seen from 40 miles away.
Punta de Maisí Lighthouse: the guardian of the eastern end
At the easternmost tip of Cuba lies the Punta de Maisí lighthouse, also known as the La Concha Lighthouse. Erected in 1862, it is essential for navigation in the narrow Windward Passage, a dangerous stretch of water that links the Atlantic Ocean with the Caribbean SeaWith its powerful 3,790 candlepower light, La Concha Lighthouse has guided countless vessels through these waters, helping them avoid the reefs and other dangers that lurk in this area.
Columbus Lighthouse in Cayo Sabinal: a tribute to Christopher Columbus
Another of Cuba’s outstanding lighthouses is the Columbus Lighthouse, located in Punta Maternillos, on Cayo Sabinal, Camagüey. This lighthouse, which stands 52.5 meters high, was built in honor of Admiral Christopher Columbus and plays a crucial role in navigation through the Old Canal of the BahamasWith a potential range of 38 miles, the Columbus Lighthouse has been a lifeline for many vessels sailing through this region, especially in times of storm.
Cayo Paredón Grande Lighthouse: a jewel of Cuban engineering
Located in the north of the province of Ciego de Ávila, the Cayo Paredón Grande lighthouse is a masterpiece of Cuban engineering. Built with cast iron and designed by engineer Don Francisco de Albear y LaraThis lighthouse stands on a steep cliff in the Jardines del Rey archipelago. With its 48 metres in height and 156 steps, it has withstood the ravages of cyclones and other meteorological phenomena, proving its durability and strength.
Roncali Lighthouse: protector of the western end
At Cape San Antonio, on the peninsula of Guanahacabibesstands the Roncali lighthouse, a silent witness to the numerous shipwrecks that occurred in this region before its construction in 1850. This lighthouse, located at the westernmost tip of Cuba, has guided thousands of ships through the dangerous waters of the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico.
The Roncali Lighthouse, named after Federico Roncali, Count of Alcoy, is known for its beam of light that reaches up to 18 miles away, helping sailors navigate in difficult conditions. With the recent construction of a road that facilitates access to Cabo de San Antonio, this lighthouse has become a destination for those interested in Cuban history and nature.
Cabo Cruz Lighthouse: a jewel in Granma
The Cabo Cruz lighthouse, also known as Faro Vargas, is located at the southern tip of the province of Granma. Standing 32 metres tall, it was built in 1871 and has been a crucial reference point for vessels sailing through the Gulf of Guacanayabo, an area known for its dangerous reefs.
The Cabo Cruz lighthouse tower, with its 155-step staircase, is an example of colonial architecture and a testament to the importance of lighthouses in Cuba’s maritime history.
