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Torre Sant'Andrea Lighthouse

Fl (2) White/Red 7s🇮🇹Melendugno, ITOperational

Location & Light Range

About Torre Sant'Andrea Lighthouse

Also known as: Torre Sant'Andrea (Sant'Andrea di Missipezza)

Built in 1932, this masonry lighthouse stands 16 meters tall with a focal height of 24 meters. Its square tower is painted in a bold black and white checkerboard pattern on its seaward face, serving as a distinctive landmark. The operational light emits two white or red flashes every seven seconds, warning ships away from shoals approximately 2.5 km south of Torre dell'Orso. The site is open to the public, though the tower itself remains closed.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is essential for maritime safety along the Puglian coast, specifically marking the dangerous shoals south of Torre dell'Orso. Its unique checkerboard pattern and directional light flashes aid in precise navigation through this potentially hazardous stretch of the Adriatic.

Background
Torre Sant'Andrea di Missipezza Lighthouse is an active lighthouse in the frazione of Torre Sant'Andrea in the municipality of Melendugno.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (2) White/Red 7s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White/Red
Flash Count
2 flashes
Interval
7s
Raw Code
Fl(2) W R 7s
Focal Height
24m
Light Range
15NM (27.8 km)
Geographic Range
14.1NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1932

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
16m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
in a bold black and white checkerboard pattern
Material
masonry

Structure: lantern mounted atop a square masonry building

Location

City
Melendugno
Country
🇮🇹Italy
Region
Apulia
Sea Region
Located about 2.5 km south of Torre dell'Orso, Italy, warning ships away from nearby shoals.
Latitude
40.2552°
Longitude
18.4447°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Otranto(6.6 km)
Admiralty No.
E2188
NGA No.
10800
ARLHS No.
ITA-170
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q28376392 →
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Torre Sant'Andrea Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 24 meters and a nominal range of 15 nautical miles (approximately 27.8 km), Torre Sant'Andrea 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 Torre Sant'Andrea Lighthouse at night?+
Torre Sant'Andrea displays the characteristic Fl (2) White/Red 7s — 2 white/red flashes every 7 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/red color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Torre Sant'Andrea Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Torre Sant'Andrea Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Santa Foca di Melendugno at 5.1 NM to the W. Other ports served include Otranto (6.9 NM SSE), San Cataldo (10.8 NM NW), Torre Cesarea (13.3 NM S), Castro Marina (15.3 NM S). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Torre Sant'Andrea Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Torre Sant'Andrea 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 Torre Sant'Andrea Lighthouse?+
Torre Sant'Andrea 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 Torre Sant'Andrea Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Torre Sant'Andrea 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.