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Palermo Lighthouse

White🇮🇹Palermo, ITOperational

Location & Light Range

About Palermo Lighthouse

The Palermo Lighthouse, constructed in 1884, stands as an octagonal concrete tower rising 18 meters from a two-story building. It features a lantern and gallery at its summit. Originally established in 1853, the lighthouse is situated on the north mole where the breakwater connects to the mainland, near the Via Cristoforo Columbo in Palermo. Its light has since been decommissioned and replaced by a modern navigational aid on the main breakwater. The tower's white structure is visible from nearby areas, though the site is not publicly accessible.

Why it matters: This structure marked the entrance to Palermo's port, specifically the attachment point of the breakwater. Its replacement reflects the evolution of port infrastructure and navigational technology.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
White
Light Color
White

Construction & History

Year Built
1884
First Lit
1853

Significant events: light replaced by new tower on main breakwater

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Palermo(1.1 km)
ARLHS No.
ITA-302

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
18m
Tower Shape
octagonal
Tower Color
white
Material
concrete

Structure: octagonal concrete tower with lantern and gallery, rising from a 2-story building

Location

City
Palermo
Country
🇮🇹Italy
Region
Sicily
Sea Region
north mole at the point where the breakwater is attached, near the foot of the Via Cristoforo Columbo in Palermo
Latitude
38.1326°
Longitude
13.3702°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which ports and harbors does Palermo Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Palermo Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Palermo at 0.2 NM to the ESE. Other ports served include PORTICCIOLO DI S. ER (3 NM SE), Mondello, Palermo (4.9 NM NNW), Sferracavallo (6 NM NW), Isola delle Femmine (7 NM NW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Palermo Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Palermo 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 Palermo Lighthouse?+
Palermo 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 Palermo Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Palermo 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.