- Sputnik International
Multimedia
When a picture is worth a thousand words. See what's happening in the world from a more visual perspective with Sputnik's photo galleries, infographics and other multimedia content.

Lighthouses That Stood the Test of Time

Subscribe

Since ancient times, beacons have been a symbol of good luck and divine guidance worldwide for sailors on long voyages. Although now lighthouses are hardly used, they still continue to be stunning architectural wonders.

Here's a list of the most persistent marine guards, each of which has for many years led people through storms and the darkness.

© AFP 2023 / HRVOJE POLANThe harbour breakwater with lighthouse and lampposts is covered with heavy ice in the central Adriatic Croatian port of Senj, some 200 kilometres from Zagreb, as the sun sets on February 8, 2012. Europeans across the continent have been battling more than a week of extreme weather with more than 100 villages still trapped by snow in remote, mountain parts in Croatia and several dead by freezing as temperatures hit more than 20 Celsius below zero. The new deaths put the toll for the Balkans up to 23 from which three of them in Croatia.
The harbour breakwater with lighthouse and lampposts is covered with heavy ice in the central Adriatic Croatian port of Senj, some 200 kilometres from Zagreb, as the sun sets on February 8, 2012. - Sputnik International
1/25
The harbour breakwater with lighthouse and lampposts is covered with heavy ice in the central Adriatic Croatian port of Senj, some 200 kilometres from Zagreb, as the sun sets on February 8, 2012. Europeans across the continent have been battling more than a week of extreme weather with more than 100 villages still trapped by snow in remote, mountain parts in Croatia and several dead by freezing as temperatures hit more than 20 Celsius below zero. The new deaths put the toll for the Balkans up to 23 from which three of them in Croatia.
© AFP 2023 / MARCEL MOCHET Aerial picture taken June 6, 2007, of the Bull Rock lighthouse, southwest off Ireland.
Aerial picture taken June 6, 2007, of the Bull Rock lighthouse, southwest off Ireland. - Sputnik International
2/25
Aerial picture taken June 6, 2007, of the Bull Rock lighthouse, southwest off Ireland.
© AFP 2023 / MOHAMMED SAWAF Iraqi officials and policemen inspect the ruins of Mujada or al-Mawqada lighthouse in al-Jazira area in the western desert of the shrine city of Karbala, central Iraq, on February 9, 2008. The cylindrical-shaped lighthouse is situated in the desert, 40 kilometers away from the centre of Karbala. Al-Mawqada, meaning fireplace, was built in the ninth century to guide caravans and people lost in the desert to the nearby al-Ukhaidar fortress and the citadel of al-Aatshan. The lighthouse was recently vandalised according to security sources.
Iraqi officials and policemen inspect the ruins of Mujada or al-Mawqada lighthouse in al-Jazira area in the western desert of the shrine city of Karbala, central Iraq. - Sputnik International
3/25
Iraqi officials and policemen inspect the ruins of Mujada or al-Mawqada lighthouse in al-Jazira area in the western desert of the shrine city of Karbala, central Iraq, on February 9, 2008. The cylindrical-shaped lighthouse is situated in the desert, 40 kilometers away from the centre of Karbala. Al-Mawqada, meaning fireplace, was built in the ninth century to guide caravans and people lost in the desert to the nearby al-Ukhaidar fortress and the citadel of al-Aatshan. The lighthouse was recently vandalised according to security sources.
© AFP 2023 / STRA youngster (R) stands in front of a huge wave breaking in Havana's seafront on August 31, 2008, after the passage of Hurricane Gustav. There were reports of dozens of injuries but no immediate reports of deaths from the storm. Western Cuba woke up Sunday to a scene of massive devastation after deadly Hurricane Gustav blasted through with winds gusting up to 340 kilometers (210 miles) per hour, wrecking vulnerable coastal towns and knocking out communications and power. Cuba had evacuated hundreds of thousands of people in the path of the hurricane's approach after it left at least 81 dead in Jamaica, Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
A youngster (R) stands in front of a huge wave breaking in Havana's seafront. - Sputnik International
4/25
A youngster (R) stands in front of a huge wave breaking in Havana's seafront on August 31, 2008, after the passage of Hurricane Gustav. There were reports of dozens of injuries but no immediate reports of deaths from the storm. Western Cuba woke up Sunday to a scene of massive devastation after deadly Hurricane Gustav blasted through with winds gusting up to 340 kilometers (210 miles) per hour, wrecking vulnerable coastal towns and knocking out communications and power. Cuba had evacuated hundreds of thousands of people in the path of the hurricane's approach after it left at least 81 dead in Jamaica, Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
© AFP 2023 / OLAF KRAAK The IJmuiden lighthouse is pictured as waves crash against it on November 21, 2008, in IJmuiden, Netherlands, during a storm.
The IJmuiden lighthouse is pictured as waves crash against it. - Sputnik International
5/25
The IJmuiden lighthouse is pictured as waves crash against it on November 21, 2008, in IJmuiden, Netherlands, during a storm.
© AFP 2023 / OLIVIER MORINThe sun shines on a yellow lighthouse outside Reykjavik harbour, Iceland, early in the morning on April 23, 2009.
The sun shines on a yellow lighthouse outside Reykjavik harbour. - Sputnik International
6/25
The sun shines on a yellow lighthouse outside Reykjavik harbour, Iceland, early in the morning on April 23, 2009.
© AFP 2023 / CHRISTIAN CHARISIUSA lighthouse sends out its rays on February 29, 2012, on Germany's North Sea archipelago Heligoland (German: Helgoland). The small island, which was given back to Germany by Britain 60 years ago, has a changeful history and was used as a bombing range by the British Royal Navy after World War II. Heligoland was restored to German authorities in 1952.
A lighthouse sends out its rays on February 29, 2012 on Germany's North Sea archipelago Heligoland (German: Helgoland). The small island, which was given back to Germany by Britain 60 years ago, has a changeful history and was used as a bombing range by the British Royal Navy after World War II. Heligoland was restored to German authorities in 1952. - Sputnik International
7/25
A lighthouse sends out its rays on February 29, 2012, on Germany's North Sea archipelago Heligoland (German: Helgoland). The small island, which was given back to Germany by Britain 60 years ago, has a changeful history and was used as a bombing range by the British Royal Navy after World War II. Heligoland was restored to German authorities in 1952.
© AFP 2023 / FILIPPO MONTEFORTEView of the Costa Concordia taken on January 14, 2012, after the cruise ship ran aground and keeled over off the Isola del Giglio, last night. Three people died and about 70 were missing after an Italian cruise ship with more than 4,000 people on board ran aground and keeled over, sparking scenes of panic. The Costa Concordia was on a trip around the Mediterranean when it apparently hit a reef near the island of Giglio on Friday, only a few hours into its voyage, as passengers were sitting down for dinner.
View of the Costa Concordia taken on January 14, 2012. - Sputnik International
8/25
View of the Costa Concordia taken on January 14, 2012, after the cruise ship ran aground and keeled over off the Isola del Giglio, last night. Three people died and about 70 were missing after an Italian cruise ship with more than 4,000 people on board ran aground and keeled over, sparking scenes of panic. The Costa Concordia was on a trip around the Mediterranean when it apparently hit a reef near the island of Giglio on Friday, only a few hours into its voyage, as passengers were sitting down for dinner.
© AFP 2023 / DANIEL CASELLITourists enjoy the beach near the lighthouse of Jose Ignacio, next to Punta del Este, one of the most exclusive seaside resorts of Latin America, 140 kilometers east from Montevideo, on January 13, 2012.
Tourists enjoy the beach near the lighthouse of Jose Ignacio, next to Punta del Este, one of the most exclusive seaside resorts of Latin America, 140 kilometers east from Montevideo, on January 13, 2012. - Sputnik International
9/25
Tourists enjoy the beach near the lighthouse of Jose Ignacio, next to Punta del Este, one of the most exclusive seaside resorts of Latin America, 140 kilometers east from Montevideo, on January 13, 2012.
© AFP 2023 / PAUL ELLISBean Rock Lighthouse in Auckland Harbour in Auckland, New Zealand is seen in this photograph taken on October 20, 2011. Built in 1871 and restored in 1985 it is located on Te Toka a Kapetawa (the Rock of Kapetawa) and is accessible only by boat.
Bean Rock Lighthouse in Auckland Harbour in Auckland, New Zealand is seen in this photograph taken on October 20, 2011. Built in 1871 and restored in 1985 it is located on Te Toka a Kapetawa (the Rock of Kapetawa) and is accessible only by boat. - Sputnik International
10/25
Bean Rock Lighthouse in Auckland Harbour in Auckland, New Zealand is seen in this photograph taken on October 20, 2011. Built in 1871 and restored in 1985 it is located on Te Toka a Kapetawa (the Rock of Kapetawa) and is accessible only by boat.
© AFP 2023 / PASCAL POCHARD CASABIANCAA lighthouse is pictured at the natural reserve of the Lavezzi islands, off the city of Bonifacio, in the southern French Corsican island, on August 25, 2011. French authorities announced the same day a bylaw to protect marine mammals from human activities, either touristic, scientific or commercial.
A lighthouse is pictured at the natural reserve of the Lavezzi islands, off the city of Bonifacio, in the southern French Corsican island - Sputnik International
11/25
A lighthouse is pictured at the natural reserve of the Lavezzi islands, off the city of Bonifacio, in the southern French Corsican island, on August 25, 2011. French authorities announced the same day a bylaw to protect marine mammals from human activities, either touristic, scientific or commercial.
© AFP 2023 / Greg WOODIn this photo taken on March 28, 2012, "Moorine Marauder" a life-sized fibre glass cow, welcomes visitors to the grounds surrounding the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse (R) in the south-west region of Western Australia. The cow now in residence at the lighthouse, was one of 85 cows which were positioned across the Margaret River region in WA's south-west as part of the public art event "Cow Parade" which was held from March to June 2010. Cape Leeuwin lighthouse, the tallest on the Australian mainland and still operational, is situated on the most extreme south west tip of Australia and stands at the point where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet.
In this photo taken on March 28, 2012, Moorine Marauder a life-sized fibre glass cow, welcomes visitors to the grounds surrounding the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse (R) in the south-west region of Western Australia. - Sputnik International
12/25
In this photo taken on March 28, 2012, "Moorine Marauder" a life-sized fibre glass cow, welcomes visitors to the grounds surrounding the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse (R) in the south-west region of Western Australia. The cow now in residence at the lighthouse, was one of 85 cows which were positioned across the Margaret River region in WA's south-west as part of the public art event "Cow Parade" which was held from March to June 2010. Cape Leeuwin lighthouse, the tallest on the Australian mainland and still operational, is situated on the most extreme south west tip of Australia and stands at the point where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet.
© AFP 2023 / OLIVIER MORINThe 36 meters high lighthouse of Valassaaret island, built in 1885, designed by Henry Lepaute who worked for Gustave Eiffel's engineering bureau, and built by the same company in France that manufactured the components for the Eiffel Tower, is seen on July 17, 2012 in Valassaaret, in Kvarken Archipelago between Finland and Sweden. this lighthouse (175 steps inside), still in activity, has been automated in 1963 and then electrfied in 1980.
The 36 meters high lighthouse of Valassaaret island, built in 1885, designed by Henry Lepaute who worked for Gustave Eiffel's engineering bureau, and built by the same company in France that manufactured the components for the Eiffel Tower, is seen on July 17, 2012 in Valassaaret, in Kvarken Archipelago between Finland and Sweden. - Sputnik International
13/25
The 36 meters high lighthouse of Valassaaret island, built in 1885, designed by Henry Lepaute who worked for Gustave Eiffel's engineering bureau, and built by the same company in France that manufactured the components for the Eiffel Tower, is seen on July 17, 2012 in Valassaaret, in Kvarken Archipelago between Finland and Sweden. this lighthouse (175 steps inside), still in activity, has been automated in 1963 and then electrfied in 1980.
© AFP 2023 / PHILIPPE HUGUEN A wave breaks against a pier in front of a lighthouse in Boulogne-sur-Mer, on March 28, 2016. Tens of thousands of homes were without power in northwestern France early Monday after the region was pounded overnight by winds gusting to hurricane force that also triggered flight cancellations and outages in southern England.
A wave breaks against a pier in front of a lighthouse in Boulogne-sur-Mer. - Sputnik International
14/25
A wave breaks against a pier in front of a lighthouse in Boulogne-sur-Mer, on March 28, 2016. Tens of thousands of homes were without power in northwestern France early Monday after the region was pounded overnight by winds gusting to hurricane force that also triggered flight cancellations and outages in southern England.
© AFP 2023 / SAM YEHA general view of a light house at Santiaochiao in New Taipei City as typhoon Soulik approaches northern Taiwan on July 11, 2013. Taiwan evacuated more than 2,000 tourists as the island braced for super-typhoon Soulik while Japan's Okinawa warned residents giant waves of up to 12 meters (40 feet) could hit the archipelago.
A general view of a light house at Santiaochiao in New Taipei City as typhoon Soulik approaches northern Taiwan. - Sputnik International
15/25
A general view of a light house at Santiaochiao in New Taipei City as typhoon Soulik approaches northern Taiwan on July 11, 2013. Taiwan evacuated more than 2,000 tourists as the island braced for super-typhoon Soulik while Japan's Okinawa warned residents giant waves of up to 12 meters (40 feet) could hit the archipelago.
© AFP 2023 / MARTIN BERNETTIAerial view of the lighthouse in the Miraflores neighborhood in Lima, on December 4, 2014, where the UN COP20 and CMP10 (20th session of the Conference of the Parties and the 10th session of the Conference of the Parties, serving as the Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol) were held.
Aerial view of the lighthouse in the Miraflores neighborhood in Lima. - Sputnik International
16/25
Aerial view of the lighthouse in the Miraflores neighborhood in Lima, on December 4, 2014, where the UN COP20 and CMP10 (20th session of the Conference of the Parties and the 10th session of the Conference of the Parties, serving as the Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol) were held.
© AFP 2023 / LUIS ACOSTAThe California lighthouse in Oranjestad, Aruba on August 27, 2013. The stone lighthouse was designed by a French architect in 1910 and built between 1914 and 1916. It is named after the S.S. California, a sailing ship that sank near the shore.
The California lighthouse in Oranjestad, Aruba. - Sputnik International
17/25
The California lighthouse in Oranjestad, Aruba on August 27, 2013. The stone lighthouse was designed by a French architect in 1910 and built between 1914 and 1916. It is named after the S.S. California, a sailing ship that sank near the shore.
© Flickr / Filipe FortesThe Cabo da Roca Lighthouse is located in Portugal's Cabo da Roca, a tourist attraction and limit of continental Europe.
The Cabo da Roca Lighthouse is located in Portugal's Cabo da Roca, a tourist attraction and limit of continental Europe. - Sputnik International
18/25
The Cabo da Roca Lighthouse is located in Portugal's Cabo da Roca, a tourist attraction and limit of continental Europe.
© Flickr / Richard LeemingThe Holyhead Breakwater Lighthouse stands on the Holyhead sea wall, Wales. The Holyhead Breakwater is the Victorian structure, which is 2.7 kilometers (1.7 miles) long - the longest breakwater in the United Kingdom.
The Holyhead Breakwater Lighthouse stands on the Holyhead sea wall, Wales. - Sputnik International
19/25
The Holyhead Breakwater Lighthouse stands on the Holyhead sea wall, Wales. The Holyhead Breakwater is the Victorian structure, which is 2.7 kilometers (1.7 miles) long - the longest breakwater in the United Kingdom.
© AFP 2023 / MIGUEL MEDINAPhoto taken on August 18, 2014 shows the lighthouse near the walled city of Saint-Malo, Brittany, western France.
Lighthouse near the walled city of Saint-Malo, Brittany, western France. - Sputnik International
20/25
Photo taken on August 18, 2014 shows the lighthouse near the walled city of Saint-Malo, Brittany, western France.
© AFP 2023 / LOIC VENANCEWaves break against a pier and a lighthouse in Les Sables-d'Olonne, western France, on February 9, 2016. High winds buffeted northwestern Europe on February 8, leaving one woman in France in a coma after she was hit by an advertising hoarding. Electricity was cut to 5,000 homes in northern France.
Waves break against a pier and a lighthouse in Les Sables-d'Olonne, western France. - Sputnik International
21/25
Waves break against a pier and a lighthouse in Les Sables-d'Olonne, western France, on February 9, 2016. High winds buffeted northwestern Europe on February 8, leaving one woman in France in a coma after she was hit by an advertising hoarding. Electricity was cut to 5,000 homes in northern France.
© AFP 2023 / MATTHIAS BALK / DPAA falling star crosses the night sky behind the lighthouse in Pilsum, northwestern Germany, during the peak in activity of the annual Perseids meteor shower on August 13, 2015. The Perseids meteor shower occurs every year when the Earth passes through the cloud of debris left by Comet Swift-Tuttle.
A falling star crosses the night sky behind the lighthouse in Pilsum, northwestern Germany. - Sputnik International
22/25
A falling star crosses the night sky behind the lighthouse in Pilsum, northwestern Germany, during the peak in activity of the annual Perseids meteor shower on August 13, 2015. The Perseids meteor shower occurs every year when the Earth passes through the cloud of debris left by Comet Swift-Tuttle.
© AP Photo / John L. RussellA couple walks on the North Manistee Lighthouse pier in Manistee on April 27, 2006, watching the sun set over Lake Michigan.
North Manistee Lighthouse pier in Manistee, Mich. - Sputnik International
23/25
A couple walks on the North Manistee Lighthouse pier in Manistee on April 27, 2006, watching the sun set over Lake Michigan.
© AFP 2023 / FRED TANNEAUPicture taken on April 20, 2008, shows the lighthouse known as "phare des moutons" on the Glenan islands, off Brittany, western France. Built in 1879, the lighthouse is 18 meters high.
Picture taken on April 20, 2008 shows the lighthouse known as phare des moutons on the Glenan islands, off Brittany, western France. - Sputnik International
24/25
Picture taken on April 20, 2008, shows the lighthouse known as "phare des moutons" on the Glenan islands, off Brittany, western France. Built in 1879, the lighthouse is 18 meters high.
© AFP 2023 / GLYN KIRKWaves crash over Newhaven Lighthouse on the south coast of England on February 8, 2016, as the latest storm hits the country. Heavy winds buffeted Europe's northwestern flank on Monday, forcing road closures and disrupting rail and ferry services in southern England and prompting high wave alerts in France's Brittany region. Gales and heavy rain with wind speeds of nearly 155 kilometers (100 miles) per hour battered southern England and Wales, with flood warnings issued in more than 50 areas.
Waves crash over Newhaven Lighthouse on the south coast of England - Sputnik International
25/25
Waves crash over Newhaven Lighthouse on the south coast of England on February 8, 2016, as the latest storm hits the country. Heavy winds buffeted Europe's northwestern flank on Monday, forcing road closures and disrupting rail and ferry services in southern England and prompting high wave alerts in France's Brittany region. Gales and heavy rain with wind speeds of nearly 155 kilometers (100 miles) per hour battered southern England and Wales, with flood warnings issued in more than 50 areas.
Newsfeed
0
To participate in the discussion
log in or register
loader
Chats
Заголовок открываемого материала