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Gonçalo Velho Lighthouse

Fl White 13.5s🇵🇹Santo Espírito, PTOperational

Location & Light Range

About Gonçalo Velho Lighthouse

Also known as: Gonçalo Velho (Ponta do Castelo)

The Gonçalo Velho lighthouse, built in 1927, stands as a cylindrical masonry tower painted white and red. It rises 14 meters high, with its light positioned 114 meters above sea level. The structure includes a lantern and gallery, and is attached to a single-story keeper's house. It emits a white flash every 13.5 seconds, visible for nearly 26.5 nautical miles. This light guides vessels navigating the Atlantic Ocean in the Azores archipelago.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is important for maritime traffic in the central Atlantic, defining the coastline of the Azores archipelago for ships on transatlantic voyages.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 13.5s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
13.5s
Raw Code
Fl W 13.5s
Focal Height
114m
Geographic Range
26.3NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1927

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Vila do Porto(6.3 km)
Admiralty No.
D2632
NGA No.
23664
ARLHS No.
AZO-009

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
14m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white and red

Structure: square cylindrical masonry tower with lantern and gallery, attached to a 1-story keeper's house

Location

City
Santo Espírito
Country
🇵🇹Portugal
Sea Region
Located in the Azores archipelago, Portugal, guiding vessels in the Atlantic Ocean.
Latitude
36.9297°
Longitude
-25.0161°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Gonçalo Velho Lighthouse at night?+
Gonçalo Velho displays the characteristic Fl White 13.5s. Each lighthouse has a unique flash pattern published in the List of Lights, allowing mariners to positively identify it and distinguish it from other navigation aids in the area. The white color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Gonçalo Velho Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Gonçalo Velho Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 2 nearby ports. The closest is Vila do Porto at 6.5 NM to the W. Other ports served include Sérifos (28 NM ENE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Gonçalo Velho Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Gonçalo Velho 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.
How can I track vessels near Gonçalo Velho Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Gonçalo Velho 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.