Top 10 Tallest Lighthouses In The World

Lighthouses are important structures that aid in maritime navigation. The basic construction usually comprises a tower projecting a sharp beam of light or periodic flashes to guide merchant ships, sailors or mariners to their destination. They are situated on perilous onshore locations having rocky terrain, or rough weather.

Lighthouses have been built since ancient times to aid maritime trade and ensure navigational safety. The Romans and the Phoenicians constructed the earliest ones in the Mediterranean to mark their trade routes. However, with advancements in maritime technology, such as efficient electrical lights, modern lighthouses were built at the turn of the 18th century.

While ships have navigation systems, lighthouses are still helpful if the vessels’ sophisticated systems fail.

In our previous articles, we mentioned the ten most beautiful lighthouses in the world and the ten most beautiful lighthouse hotels in the world; however, we missed the tallest ones.

Let us look at the tallest lighthouses in the world in this article.

biggest lighthouses — Representation image

1. Jeddah Light

The Jeddah Lighthouse holds the Guinness Book Of World Records for being the tallest lighthouse in the world. It is also an engineering marvel near the northern gate of the Jeddah Islamic Seaport in Saudi Arabia. Standing proud at 435 feet, it was inaugurated in 1990.

Its structure was designed by Saudi Arabian architects who envisaged it as a white, cylindrical, concrete and steel structure. Jeddah light also houses an observation platform on its top with an open spaced-verandah which offers a view ranging from 27 nautical miles. The panoramic view of the sea and the horizon is truly breathtaking.

Apart from serving as a lighthouse, it also functions as a control tower for the Jeddah port and aids in port operations and rescue services and sparkles nine times a minute. It is also a tourist attraction in the city due to its impressive architecture and its incredible height. However, since tourists cannot enter the premises of the Port, they can get a glimpse of this magnificent tower from a distance, either by boating in nearby waters or by visiting the market near Jeddah port.

2. Perry Memorial Monument

As the name suggests, Perry Memorial Monument was built to honour the country’s heroes who fought in the War of 1812 near South Bass Island. It is also an emblem of long-lasting peace among the UK, Canada and America, embroiled in turbulent wars and military skirmishes in the 1800s. It is an important monument that has witnessed essential eras of American history.

Measuring 352 feet, it was built in different stages and designed by numerous architects, and finally to be opened in 1915. Overlooking Erie lake, the tower is etched with the names of those who died in the war.

It has an impressive structure of concrete piles, an upper platform, an elegant white staircase and a lower complex. Granite was chosen to make its walls and stairs. However, due to a shortage of funding, it was not paved but covered with gravel. The spectacular column of this memorial comprises 2500 granite stones.

It was declared a memorial monument by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on 2nd June 1936. After World War ended, two marine lights were installed at its top and converted into a lighthouse due to its geographical location and national importance. Currently, it serves as a landmark and aids in navigation.

3. Bicentennial Lighthouse

Located in Cordoba, Argentina, this monumental building was constructed to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the May Revolution and the establishment of the national government in Argentina. It was representative of the country’s past achievements and was seen as an important national monument. It was designed by Alejandro Cohen and inaugurated in 2011, just eight months after its construction commenced. The total cost of its construction was nine million pesos.

Housed in the Park of Sarmiento, it rises to 263 feet; however, the topmost antenna makes it a 335 feet construction. It depicts the expressionist architectural style and glows beautifully at night due to the electrical lights. The lighthouse has a spherical staircase leading to the top; however, it is not open to the public.

It serves as not only a lighthouse and a vital tourist spot since several halls and rooms are available at the foot of the structure spanning 1500 sq m, used to host cultural events like art and painting exhibitions.

4. Yokohama Marine tower

Constructed in 1961, the Yokohama Marine Tower is 348 feet high and among the world’s tallest lighthouses. It is also a popular recreational spot since it is located in Yamashita Park, which offers a beautiful view of the Port of Yokohama.

Its unique lighting is eye-catching as it alternates between red and green and flashes thrice every 60 seconds. At night, the tower antenna sparkles in white. An observation area on the 29th floor of the tower offers a visual treat to the visitors who can see as far as the Minato Mirai area, Yokohama bridge and even Mount Fuji or Tokyo Skytree on clear sky days.

Restoration work at this tower began in 2006, and it was opened to the public after two years in 2009 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Yokohama port. Since then, the lighthouse not only aids navigation but has become a place for couples and evening dinners. It is illuminated throughout the night, and numerous restaurants, bars, clubs and exhibition halls have opened.

5. Palacio Barolo

Palacio Barolo is now an administrative building in Buenos Aires, Argentina. After its completion in 1923, it was the tallest building in the city and the whole of South America and was overtaken by the Kavanabah building. Palacio Barolo comprises administrative offices, a school for learning Spanish and a clothing store selling festive outfits.

Initially designed by architect Mario Palanti, the building represents Eclectic architecture. Commissioned by a wealthy businessman Luis Barolo, it is a structural representation of Dante’s Divine Comedy. The building’s 22 floors are separated into three compartments symbolising hell, purgatory and heaven.

The 330 feet building houses a lighthouse and an illuminated beacon on its top that can be seen from as far as Uruguay. The lighthouse was a later addition to the building to welcome and honour travellers from the Atlantic Ocean to the Rio Plata estuary. It was declared a historical monument in 1997.

6. Statue Of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty was gifted to the United States by France, and it symbolises American independence. Standing tall at 305 feet, the giant copper sculpture was declared to function as a lighthouse under the orders of President Grover. Hence in 1886, it came under the jurisdiction of the Lighthouse Board.

Electric lights pointing upwards were installed in the torch and the feet of the statue to enhance visibility and aid navigation for ships and small boats entering the New York harbour during rough weather. It was the first lighthouse in the US to utilise electricity.

However, in 1902 the Statue of Liberty was no longer used as a lighthouse, and its jurisdiction was passed to the US War Department. Hence, Albert Littlefield, the head keeper of the Statue of Liberty, was relieved of his duties. The neoclassical work of art is still considered a lighthouse, though it never adequately functioned as one and was rather seen as a national monument.

7. The Île Vierge Lighthouse

Ile Vierge Lighthouse is the highest lighthouse in Europe. Located in the tiny village of Plouguerneau, in Finistere, France, it is a traditional construction built in the early 20th century. It has a spiral staircase with 365 steps, signifying one day each year.

The lighthouse’s interior is tiled with sky-blue opal to protect the structure from humidity and rust. The outer frame is made of granite stone and is decked with navigational lights on the top. The lighting system is entirely automated, with white flashes every 30 seconds.

The Île Vierge Lighthouse — Image for representation purpose only

Measuring around 82.5 feet, it is famous for its immense size and popular french folktales attached to this structure constructed in 1897. It is located on a mountain and can be reached from all sides. Offering a beautiful sunset view, Ile Verge is a significant tourist attraction.

During summers, the Vierge island is filled with travellers who visit the lighthouse in excursion teams or with fishermen of the region to glimpse this serene stone lighthouse that has been guiding sailors and even naval armies since the late 18th century.

8. The Lighthouse of Genoa

The Lighthouse of Genoa was constructed in 1128 on the Capo di Faro mountain. In medieval times, the people of Genoa lit bonfires at this place to aid in the navigation of ships and sailors. It was refurbished with electrical lights in the 1980s and was opened to the masses in 1994.

The Genoese call it Lanterna has served as a lighthouse for almost 900 years. Apart from being the lighthouse for the city’s main Port, Italy’s most important lighthouse still has a head keeper.

Measuring around 250 feet, it is also the highest in the Mediterranean region and one of the oldest operational structures. The beam of light projected from the lighthouse is visible from more than 50 kilometres.

It is an important monument for the city; hence the military controls its topmost part, and after the 172 stairs, it is closed to the public. The Lanterna Museum is situated close to the lighthouse and houses material showcasing the city’s history and the evolution of the lighthouse over the years.

9. Phare de Gatteville

The Phare de Gatteville lighthouse is also called the Pointe de Barfleur Light, located at the end of Barfleur in Normandy, France. It is 247 feet tall and ranks as the third-highest traditional navigational structure in the world.

The lighthouse is cylindrical and comprises a balcony at the top, housing a lantern. It is illuminated by two xenon electric lamps, one lit during the day and two at night. It has 365 steps representing each day of the year and 12 floors representing each month.

Situated near the English Channel, it aids the sailors in navigating in the strong winds and violent sea around the end of Barfleur, which is ridden with numerous shipwrecks. It is also a famous tourist attraction and offers a beautiful sunrise view. It was refurbished in the early 1900s and opened in 1996. After renovation, a small lighthouse museum was built at its feet, portraying its history.

10. Lesnoy Mole Rear Range Light

Lesnoy Mole Rear Range Light is a lighthouse in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Made of metal, with alternate red and white patterns, it stands tall at 293 feet near the Port of St Petersburg. It is the highest in Russia and ranks fourth among the traditional lighthouses in the world. It was built in 1986 to serve the growing port traffic and aid in navigating commercial ships entering the Port.

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About Author

Zahra is an alumna of Miranda House, University of Delhi. She is an avid writer, possessing immaculate research and editing skills. Author of several academic papers, she has also worked as a freelance writer, producing many technical, creative and marketing pieces. A true aesthete at heart, she loves books a little more than anything else.