Capelinhos Lighthouse

Also known as: Capelinhos (Ponta dos Capelinhos)

This octagonal stone lighthouse, built in 1903, stands 20 meters tall on Faial Island in the Azores. Its structure comprises an octagonal stone tower with a lantern and gallery, rising from a two-story keeper's house. The lighthouse is located in Capelo, near the nearest port of Horta, which is 10.3 kilometers away. Originally serving as a navigational aid, the lighthouse was impacted by the 1957-58 volcanic eruption, which buried it in ash and pumice. Although no longer operational, the site is now open to the public and functions as part of an interpretation center.

Why it matters: The Capelinhos Lighthouse is significant as a survivor of the 1957-58 volcanic eruption, an event that dramatically reshaped the island's coastline and buried the structure in ash.