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São Miguel o Anjo Lighthouse

Oc 5s🇵🇹Porto, PTOperational

Location & Light Range

About São Miguel o Anjo Lighthouse

Built in 1527, the São Miguel o Anjo lighthouse is a cylindrical stone tower standing 8 meters high, attached to a stone chapel. It is situated on the north side of the Douro River entrance in Porto, Portugal, near the old breakwater mole. The structure was engineered by Francesco de Cremona and originally commissioned by Miguel da Silva. In 2019, the lighthouse underwent a restoration and now serves as the headquarters for the national lifeguard service. It is the country's oldest lighthouse.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is the oldest in Portugal and a rare survivor from the Age of Discovery, contributing to Porto's historical status as a major trading port. Its contemporary role as the national lifeguard service headquarters highlights its continued relevance to maritime safety.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Oc 5s
Flash Type
Occulting
Interval
5s
Raw Code
Oc Y 5s
Light Range
6NM (11.1 km)

Construction & History

Year Built
1527

Significant events: restored in 2019 as the headquarters of the national lifeguard service

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Oporto(0.2 km)

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
8m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Material
stone

Structure: square cylindrical stone tower attached to a 1-story stone chapel

Location

City
Porto
Country
🇵🇹Portugal
Region
Porto
Sea Region
bar of the Douro, Porto, north side of the Douro (Rio do Ouro) entrance, old breakwater mole
Latitude
41.1474°
Longitude
-8.6667°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify São Miguel o Anjo Lighthouse at night?+
São Miguel o Anjo displays the characteristic Oc 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.
Which ports and harbors does São Miguel o Anjo Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
São Miguel o Anjo Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Porto at 1.2 NM to the E. Other ports served include São Pedro da Afurada (1.7 NM ESE), Senhora da Hora (2.3 NM NNE), Leixões (2.5 NM NNW), Matosinhos (2.6 NM NW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is São Miguel o Anjo Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, São Miguel o Anjo 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 São Miguel o Anjo Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near São Miguel o Anjo 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.