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Zarzis Lighthouse

Oc (3) White 12s🇹🇳TNOperational

Location & Light Range

About Zarzis Lighthouse

Built of concrete in 1894, this cylindrical lighthouse stands 14 meters tall. It features a white tower topped with a black lantern and gallery. The structure includes an octagonal, fluted design with an attached one-story keeper's house. Its white light emits three flashes every 12 seconds, visible for over 11 nautical miles. This navigational aid is located at the base of the breakwater for Zarzis, a seaport in southern Tunisia historically known as Gergis.

Why it matters: The lighthouse marks the breakwater entrance to the busy seaport of Zarzis. Its octagonal cylindrical fluted tower design is a notable architectural style for Tunisian coastal aids to navigation.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Oc (3) White 12s
Flash Type
Occulting
Light Color
White
Flash Count
3 flashes
Interval
12s
Raw Code
Oc(3) W 12s
Focal Height
15m
Geographic Range
11.9NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1894

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Zarzis(1.2 km)
Admiralty No.
E6328
NGA No.
21740
ARLHS No.
TUN-020

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
14m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white with black lantern and gallery
Material
concrete

Structure: octagonal cylindrical fluted tower with lantern and gallery, attached to a 1-story keeper's house

Location

Country
🇹🇳Tunisia
Region
Médenine
Sea Region
Located at the base of the breakwater of Zarzis, a seaport in southernmost Tunisia, historically known as Gergis.
Latitude
33.4972°
Longitude
11.1198°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Zarzis Lighthouse at night?+
Zarzis displays the characteristic Oc (3) White 12s — 3 white flashes every 12 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 Zarzis Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Zarzis Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Zarzis at 1 NM to the SSW. Other ports served include Djerba (23.1 NM NW), Didon (42.2 NM ENE), Abu Kammash (43.5 NM SE), Ashtart Terminal (49.5 NM NNE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Zarzis Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Zarzis 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 Zarzis Lighthouse?+
Zarzis 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 Zarzis Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Zarzis 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.