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Galata Lighthouse

White🇧🇬Varna, BGOperational

Location & Light Range

About Galata Lighthouse

Also known as: Galata (Nos Galata)

The Galata lighthouse is a white, cylindrical cast iron tower standing 9 meters tall, first lit in 1863. The current structure was built in 1913 on Cape Galata, south of the entrance to Varna Bay. This light station sustained damage from shelling during World War I and was repaired afterward. The light is white and emits two white flashes every 18 seconds.

Why it matters: The lighthouse was critical for safe navigation into Varna Bay, a key Black Sea port. Its survival through World War I shelling underscores its strategic significance.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
White
Light Color
White

Construction & History

Year Built
1913
First Lit
1863

Significant events: Damaged by shelling during WWI, Repaired after WWI

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Varna(1.2 km)
ARLHS No.
BUL-030

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
9m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white
Material
cast iron

Structure: round cast iron (?) tower with lantern and gallery, painted white

Location

City
Varna
Country
🇧🇬Bulgaria
Region
Varna
Sea Region
Prominent cape at the south side of the entrance to Varna Bay, about 5 km southeast of Varna city.
Latitude
43.1712°
Longitude
27.9457°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which ports and harbors does Galata Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Galata Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Varna at 2 NM to the NW. Other ports served include Ignatievo (9.2 NM WNW), Varna-Zapad (13 NM W), Balchik (16.7 NM NE), KAVARNA (23 NM NE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Galata Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Galata Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
What shipping routes pass near Galata Lighthouse?+
Galata Lighthouse is located within the Mediterranean East-West corridor — a major trade route spanning the Mediterranean from Gibraltar to the Suez Canal. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Galata Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Galata Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.