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Secche della Meloria Lighthouse

Q (6) White 15s🇮🇹Livorno, ITOperational

Location & Light Range

About Secche della Meloria Lighthouse

Also known as: Secche della Meloria (South End)

This cylindrical tower, 20 meters tall, stands yellow and black with horizontal bands, topped by a gray metallic lantern. It is located on a shoal south of the Torre della Meloria, near Livorno. The current structure replaced a screwpile lighthouse after World War II. Earlier, in 1867, a screwpile lighthouse had been established on this shoal, taking over from a light on the Torre della Meloria. The lighthouse emits six quick white flashes followed by a long white flash, repeating every 15 seconds, with its light reaching 18 meters above the water and visible for 12.7 nautical miles. The site is accessible by boat, but the tower is closed to visitors.

Why it matters: The lighthouse marks the Secche della Meloria shoal, a significant hazard to shipping, ensuring vessels can safely navigate the area.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Q (6) White 15s
Flash Type
Quick
Light Color
White
Flash Count
6 flashes
Interval
15s
Raw Code
Q(6) W + LFl W 15s
Focal Height
18m
Geographic Range
12.7NM

Construction & History

Significant events: Screwpile lighthouse replaced a light on Torre della Meloria in 1867, current lighthouse replaced screwpile lighthouse after World War II

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
20m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
yellow and black horizontal bands, gray metallic lantern

Structure: round cylindrical tower with lantern and gallery

Location

City
Livorno
Country
🇮🇹Italy
Region
Tuscany
Sea Region
On the shoal about 250 m south of the Torre della Meloria
Latitude
43.5462°
Longitude
10.2189°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Livorno(4.3 km)
Admiralty No.
E1348
NGA No.
7876
ARLHS No.
ITA-291
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Secche della Meloria Lighthouse at night?+
Secche della Meloria displays the characteristic Q (6) White 15s — 6 white flashes every 15 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 Secche della Meloria Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Secche della Meloria Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Livorno at 3.9 NM to the ENE. Other ports served include Marina di Pisa (8.5 NM NNE), Castiglioncello (12.2 NM SE), Rosignano Solvay (12.8 NM SE), Vada (15.2 NM SE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Secche della Meloria Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Secche della Meloria 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 Secche della Meloria Lighthouse?+
Secche della Meloria 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 Secche della Meloria Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Secche della Meloria 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.