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Ortona Lighthouse

Fl (2) White 6s🇮🇹Ortona, ITOperational

Location & Light Range

About Ortona Lighthouse

This octagonal concrete tower, built in 1937, stands at the base of the north mole in Ortona, Italy. It features horizontal black and white bands and rises from a two-story keeper's house, topped with a lantern and gallery. The lighthouse survived a significant battle between Allied and German forces in September 1943. Its light emits a single white flash every 6 seconds, with a geographic range of 13.8 nautical miles. The site is open to the public, but the tower itself is closed.

Why it matters: The Ortona Lighthouse is essential for safe navigation into and out of Ortona's port. Its survival during the 1943 battle provides it with historical significance.

Background
Ortona Lighthouse is an active lighthouse located in Ortona on the Adriatic Sea.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (2) White 6s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
2 flashes
Interval
6s
Raw Code
Fl W 6s
Focal Height
23m
Light Range
15NM (27.8 km)
Geographic Range
13.8NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1937

Significant events: survived a ferocious battle between Allied and German forces in September 1943

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
25m
Tower Shape
octagonal
Tower Color
with black and white horizontal bands
Material
concrete

Structure: octagonal concrete tower with lantern and gallery, rising from a 2-story concrete keeper's house

Location

City
Ortona
Country
🇮🇹Italy
Region
Abruzzo
Sea Region
Located on the Via del Porto at the base of the north mole in Ortona
Latitude
42.3588°
Longitude
14.4081°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Ortona(0.8 km)
Admiralty No.
E2312
NGA No.
113-11128
ARLHS No.
ITA-108
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q28376004 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Ortona Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 23 meters and a nominal range of 15 nautical miles (approximately 27.8 km), Ortona is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. Lights of this range are typically used as landfall lights by vessels approaching from the open sea.
How do mariners identify Ortona Lighthouse at night?+
Ortona displays the characteristic Fl (2) White 6s — 2 white flashes every 6 seconds. 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 Ortona Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Ortona Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Ortona at 0.4 NM to the SE. Other ports served include Francavilla al Mare (6.5 NM WNW), FOSSACESIA (8 NM SE), Pescara (10.2 NM NW), Vasto (17.4 NM SE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Ortona Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Ortona 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 Ortona Lighthouse?+
Ortona 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 Ortona Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Ortona 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.