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Sveti Athanas Lighthouse

Oc Red 7s🇧🇬Byala, BGOperational

Location & Light Range

About Sveti Athanas Lighthouse

Also known as: Sveti Athanas (Nos Sveti Atanas, Byala)

This cylindrical stone tower stands 6 meters tall, with its light positioned 5 meters above sea level. Originally built and lit in 1932, the white structure has a rubblestone construction. Its light characteristic is an occulting red light shown every 7 seconds. The lighthouse was extended in the 1980s, but this addition was later removed. It is located on a hillside above a promontory at Byala, Bulgaria.

Why it matters: The lighthouse marked the promontory at Byala, guiding vessels safely past this coastal feature.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Oc Red 7s
Flash Type
Occulting
Light Color
Red
Interval
7s
Raw Code
Oc R 7s
Focal Height
5m
Light Range
12NM (22.2 km)
Geographic Range
5NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1932

Significant events: extended in 1980s, extension removed, inactive since 2015

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Nessebar(14.3 km)
Admiralty No.
N4998
NGA No.
17616
ARLHS No.
BUL-004

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
6m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white
Material
stone

Structure: round rubblestone tower

Location

City
Byala
Country
🇧🇬Bulgaria
Region
Varna
Sea Region
a hillside above a promontory at Byala (Bjala)
Latitude
42.8543°
Longitude
27.9024°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Sveti Athanas Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 5 meters and a nominal range of 12 nautical miles (approximately 22.2 km), Sveti Athanas is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. This range makes it a significant coastal navigation aid for vessels transiting the area.
How do mariners identify Sveti Athanas Lighthouse at night?+
Sveti Athanas displays the characteristic Oc Red 7s. 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 red color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Sveti Athanas Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Sveti Athanas Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Nessebar at 13.8 NM to the SSW. Other ports served include Varna (20.4 NM N), POMORIE (21.5 NM SW), Varna-Zapad (23.2 NM NNW), Ignatievo (24.5 NM NNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Sveti Athanas Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Sveti Athanas 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 Sveti Athanas Lighthouse?+
Sveti Athanas 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 Sveti Athanas Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Sveti Athanas 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.