This page shows the
documentation of the Lighthouses of Sicily. Some of the photos below are available on webshots,
some of the are on Flickr (and are reproduced with permission) and you can
always click on the light to go to it's specific (larger
resolution) copy. Each lighthouse is linked to (in our editorial
opinion) the best reference site for that light.
I would like to include directions on
how to get to these lights. If you know such data, could you eMail
me
and I'll post it here (with your choice of attribution.)
Messina Area
| IT 159 |
Punta San Raineri
latitude 38º 11' 36.7" N longitude 15º 34' 27.8" E
The watch tower is part of a complex of fortifications
ordered in 1546 by Charles V, the Spanish Holy Roman Emperor, to defend
Sicily against the Ottoman Turks. Located off the Via Raineri on the
east side (the outside) of the Punta Secca, a hook-like peninsula that
protects the traditional harbor of Messina.
Photo courtesy Antonio Peca [webshots] |
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| IT 159S |
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Punta Secca
latitude 38º 11' 49.7" N longitude 15º 34' 22" E
Located at the northeastern tip of Punta Secca
Photo courtesy Alex Trabas [liteslist]
|
| IT 160 |
Capo Peloro (see below) |
The lighthouse originally had a height of 42 m.
The building must have been heavily damaged in the catastrophic
earthquake and tsunami of December 28, 1908, which destroyed 90% of the
buildings in Messina and killed more than 100,000 people.
Sometime in the 1920s or 1930s it was restored the tower had been
shortened to its present height. Located on the Via Lanterna in Torre
Faro. |
| IT 161 |
Torre degli Inglesi (Torre di Capo Peloro)
The castle can be seen to the right (northeast) of the lighthouse
(above) in a
distant view of the cape. Located at the extreme northeast point of the
cape.
Photo courtesy sparijs [webshots] |
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| IT 162 |
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Capo Rasocolmo
latitude 38º 17' 44.1" N longitude 15º 31' 9.4" E
Capo Rasocolmo is the northernmost point of Sicily. Located on a
promontory about 1.5 km west southwest of the actual cape and 3 km northeast of San Saba on the coastal road.
Just no way to make poured concrete look pretty is there?
Photo courtesy Egido Ferrighi [fari] |
| IT 163 |
Capo Milazzo
Capo Milazzo is a long, finger-like peninsula projecting due north
into the Tyrrhenian Sea. The harbor of Milazzo is sheltered on the east
side of the base of the peninsula. The lighthouse is located at the end
of the Via Sant'Antonio near the tip of the cape.
Photo courtesy CyboRoZ [Flickr] |
 |
Aeolian Islands
| IT 164 |
Vulcano (Punta dei Porci)
Vulcano has a permanent population of less than 500; the last major
eruption was in 1888. Located at the southern tip of the island of
Vulcano. Possibly accessible by 4WD vehicles from Port di Levante, the
only town on Vulcano, which is at the other end of the island.
Photo courtesy m.a.s.s.y. [Flickr]
|
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| IT 164L |
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Marina Corta (Lipari)
Located on the waterfront in Lipari, the principal town of the island of Lipari.
Photo courtesy Alex Trabas [liteslist]
|
| IT 165 |
Strombolicchio (Scoglio Strombolicchio)
Strombolicchio is a rocky outcrop about 1.5 km northeast of the
village of Stromboli, which clings to the northeastern corner of the
island of the same name. The fire of the volcano is almost as reliable a
navigational aid as any lighthouse. Located atop the islet, a location
quite inaccessible to the public, but there are good views from the
waterfront of Stromboli and from ferries arriving there.
Photo courtesy Stephano_p [Flickr] |
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| IT 166 |
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Capo Faro (Salina)
Located on the coastal highway at the northeastern corner of the
island of Salina, about 3 km east of Malfa.
Photo courtesy "3x0=3" [Flickr] |
| IT 167 |
Punta Lingua
Located at the end of a spit in the village of Lingua, at the
southeastern corner of Salina. It should be possible to reach the
lighthouse by a short walk.
You can buy this photo from
marinas.com
|
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North Coast
| IT 168 |
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Capo d'Orlando
latitude 38º 9' 52.8" N longitude 14º 44' 48.5" E
Located off the Via Andrea Doria on the point of the cape in the
town of Capo d'Orlando.
You can buy this photo from
marinas.com
|
| IT 169 |
Capo Cefalù
latitude 38º 2' 23.5" N longitude 14º 1' 46.5" E
Capo Zafferano marks the eastern end of the Golfo di Palermo.
Located on the point of the cape, about 3 km north of Santa Flavia and
15 km east of Palermo.
Photo courtesy Antonio Peca [webshots] |
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| IT 169G |
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Capo Zefferano
latitude 38º 6' 44" N longitude 13º 32' 14.9" E
Capo Zafferano marks the eastern end of the
Golfo di Palermo. Located on the point of the cape, about 3 km
north of Santa Flavia and 15 km east of Palermo.
Photo courtesy Alessia Sara [Flickr] |
| IT 170 |
Palermo (North Mole)
latitude 38º 7' 57.1" N longitude 13º 22' 12.2" E
This light has been replaced by a 11 m tower on the main breakwater
of Palermo. Located on the north mole (to which the breakwater is
attached) not far from the root of the mole, near the foot of the Via
Cristoforo Columbo.
Photo courtesy Egido Ferrighi [fari] |
 |
| IT 171 |
Capo Gallo
latitude 38º 13' 24.7" N longitude 13º 19' 0" E
The buildings are endangered by erosion of the steep slope between
the lighthouse and the sea. Capo Gallo marks the western entrance to the
Golfo di Palermo. Located on the point of the cape, at the end of the
Via Gallo, about 8 km north of the Palermo waterfront.
Photo courtesy durisi [webshots] |
 |
| IT 172 |
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Punta Omo Morto
Located atop a steep promontory at the northeast end of the island
of Ustica, about 800 m northeast of the village of Ustica. The lack of
photos suggests that access to this lighthouse is difficult, but it
should be possible to get a view from the heights above the town.
Photo courtesy David Salvatori [Flickr] |
Northwest Coast (Trapani Area)
| IT 174 |
 |
San Vito lo Capo (Capo San Vito)
latitude 38º 11' 18.7" N longitude 12º 44' 0.6" E
The promontory of Capo San Vito marks the northwestern corner of
Sicily. Located at the end of the
Via Faro in San Vito lo Capo. Note: there is a second Capo San
Vito lighthouse near Taranto on the Italian mainland.
Photo courtesy Geo8 [Flickr] |
| IT 175 |
Scoglio Porcelli
latitude 38º 2' 36.5" N
longitude 12º 26' 20.1" E
|
Located on a small island about 6 km northwest of Trapani.
Accessible only by boat. |
| IT 176 |
Castello della Colombaia
latitude 38º 0' 41.4" N
longitude 12º 29' 45.1" E
|
The castle has roots going back to the Carthaginians around 200 BC,
but the tower that carried the light was begun in the 14th century and
completed by Philip II of Spain in 1586.
Located on the Isola Colombaia, an island at the entrance to
Trapani harbor. Accessible only by boat. |
| IT 177 |
Scoglio Palumbo
latitude 38º 0' 44.7" N longitude 12º 29' 19.5" E
Located on a rock about 800 m west of the harbor entrance at
Trapani. Accessible only by boat, but there should be good views from
shore and excellent views from ferries departing for the Aegadian
Islands.
Photo courtesy David Salvatori [Flickr] |
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|
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Aegadian and Pantelleria Islands
| IT 178 |
Isolotto Formica
latitude 37º 59' 21.1" N
longitude 12º 25' 33.1" E
|
Formica is a small island halfway between Levanzo and the mainland
of Sicily. The island is covered by a complex of buildings, an abandoned
tonnara (tuna cannery)
and the lighthouse is a 20 m tower rising from a 3 story factory
building. Accessible only by boat. |
| IT 179 |
Capo Grosso (Levanzo)
Located on the northern tip of Levanzo. Accessible by road.
Photo courtesy
Ascanio Vitale [Flickr] |
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| IT 180 |
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Punta Libeccio (Marettimo)
Located on the south coast of Marettimo, the most remote of the
islands, about 35 km west of Trapani. Access is a bit uncertain, but
there is a road near the lighthouse.
Photo courtesy Doriana Manzella [Flickr] |
| IT 181 |
Punta Sottile The lighthouse is similar but not identical to the San Vito lo Capo
lighthouse. Located at the western tip of Favignana, the largest and
most populous of the islands. Accessible by road.
Photo courtesy Massi Dex [Flickr]
|
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| IT 182 |
Punta Marsala
latitude 37º 54' 24.1" N
longitude 12º 21' 55.3" E
|
Located on the eastern tip of Favignana, only 7 km from the mainland
of Sicily. |
| IT 183 |
Punta San Leonardo (Pantelleria) |
Located on the east side of the entrance to the harbor of
Pantelleria. |
| IT 184 |
Punta Spadillo |
Located on the northeast side of the island, about 7 km east of the
town of Pantelleria. Accessible by road. |
| IT 185 |
Punta Tracino |
Located on a sharp cape at Tracino on the east coast of the island. |
Southwest Coast
| IT 186 |
Marsala Molo di Ponente
latitude 37º 47' 14.8" N longitude 12º 26' 12.6" E
|
Located at the original end of the west inner breakwater of Marsala
(the mole has been extended). The absence of closeup photos suggests
that this mole is not open to the public. |
| IT 187 |
Capo Feto
latitude 37º 39' 39.5" N
longitude 12º 31' 14" E
|
This light appears to be accessible, so the lack of
close-up photos
is puzzling. Located on a headland about 4 km west of the
harbor of Mazara del Vallo. |
| IT 188 |
 |
Capo Granitola
latitude 37º 33' 57.3" N longitude 12º 39' 43.4" E
Capo Granitola is the most prominent cape at the southwestern corner
of Sicily. Located on the point of the cape about 2.5 km southeast of
Torretta Granitola and 12 km southeast of Mazara del Vallo.
Photo courtesy Alex Trabas [liteslist] |
| IT 189 |
Capo San Marco
latitude 37º 29' 44.9" N
longitude 13º 1' 15.4" E
|
Located at the end of the Via del Faro about 5 km west of the harbor
of Sciacca. Not to be confused
with the light named the same in
Sardinia. |
| IT 190 |
 |
Capo Rossello
latitude 37º 17' 41.9" N longitude 13º 27' 1.6" E
Located on a promontory on the west side of Baia di Rossello, about
6 km west of the harbor of Porto Empedocle.
Photo courtesy Antonio Peca [webshots] |
| IT 191 |
Punta Beppe Tuccio
The closest of the islands to Sicily, Linosa is approximately
circular and about 3 km in diameter. This lighthouse is located
off the Via Fariglioni on the northeast corner of the island.
Photo courtesy Sim Dawdler [Flickr] |
 |
| IT 193 |
Capo Grecale (Lampedusa)
latitude 35º 31' 5" N longitude 12º 37' 55.8" E
This is Italy's southernmost lighthouse. Located at the end of the
Via Grecale on the northeastern tip of Lampedusa, north of Cala Creca.
Photo courtesy Paolo Elaura [webshots]
|
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| IT 194 |
Lampione |
Lampione means "lamppost.," and with this light the tiny island has
somewhat that appearance. Located atop the islet of Lampione, about 15
km west of Lampedusa. Accessible only by helicopter. |
South Coast
| IT 195 |
San Giacomo (Licata) The lighthouse is located near the end of a large mole that helps
shelter the east side of the harbor of Licata. Accessible by road.
Photo courtesy William Jax [webshots]
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| IT 196 |
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Scoglitti
Located on the Via Amalfi, the seaside street, on the south side of
Scoglitti, about 12 km southwest of Vittoria.
You can buy this photo from
marinas.com
|
| IT 197 |
Scaramia (Capo Scalambri, Punta Secca)
Located on a point of land in Punta Secca, about 25 km southwest of
Ragusa.
Photo courtesy uZu'Tano [Flickr] |
 |
| IT 198 |
Marina di Ragusa |
Located at the shoreline on the east side of the port of Marina di
Ragusa, about 6 km east of Punta Secca. |
| IT 199 |
Pozzallo |
The light here was originally shown from a customs house. In 1905 a
skeletal tower was installed; it was replaced by a lighthouse sometime
during the 1920s or 1930s. Located on the waterfront at Pozzallo |
| IT 200 |
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Isola delle Correnti
latitude 36º 38' 42.3" N longitude 15º 4' 38.1" E
The Isola della Correnti is a small island just off the southeastern
tip of Sicily, about 8 km southwest of Portopalo di Capo Passero.
The island is joined to the mainland rather tenuously by a sand bar that
can be crossed (in good weather) on foot or by 4WD vehicles, except near
the time of high tide. Located at the highest point of the island.
Photo courtesy "3x0=3" [Flickr] |
| IT 201 |
Cozzo Spadaro
latitude 36º 41' 9.8" N longitude 15º 7' 53.7" E
This important and historic lighthouse is the landfall light for
Capo Passero, the southeastern corner of Sicily. Located on a hill
beside the Via Pachino, on the northwest (landward) side of the town of
Portopalo di Capo Passero.
Photo courtesy Egido Ferrighi [fari] |
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| IT 202 |
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Capo Passero
The fort was built by the emperor Charles VI, who also held the
title of King of Sicily, in the early 18th century. Located on the Isola
Capo Passero, an island just off the point of the cape and the town of
Portopalo di Capo Passero. The island is a protected nature reserve;
boat transportation from the town is available.
Photo courtesy Antonio Pennisi [Flickr] |
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Siracuse (Syracuse) Area
| IT 203 |
Capo Murro di Porco
latitude 37º 0' 11.3" N longitude 15º 20' 6.5" E
This is the landfall light for Siracusa. The cape is a rather sharp
promontory that projects southeastward from the city and helps shelter
the harbor. Located on the point of Capo Murro di Porco, in the town of
the same name, about 12 km southeast of the Siracusa waterfront.
Photo courtesy Stephano [Flickr] |
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| IT 204 |
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Punta Castelluccio
latitude 37º 2' 33.5" N longitude 15º 18' 9.3" E
Located on a point of land marking the south side of the entrance to
the Porto Grande, the elliptical harbor of Siracusa.
Photo courtesy Egido Ferrighi [fari] |
| IT 205 |
Caderini (Porto Grande Anteriore) |
latitude 37º 17' 8.5" N longitude 15º 11' 11" E
Located off the Traversa Caderini, on the west shore of the Porto
Grande, south of the city of Siracusa. |
| IT 206 |
Carrozziere (Porto Grande Posteriore) |
Located on the Via Lido Sacramento about 1 km west of the Caderini
(front) light. |
| IT 207 |
Castello Maniace
latitude 37º 3' 11.5" N longitude 15º 17' 43.4" E
The castle was built in the 1230s by the Holy Roman Emperor
Frederick II and named for Georgios Maniakes (Giorgio Maniace in
Italian), the Greek Byzantine general who briefly liberated Siracusa
from Arab rule in 1038. Located at the end of a sharp promontory at the
north side of the entrance to the harbor of Siracusa.
Photo courtesy babalot [Flickr] |
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Augusta Area
| IT 208 |
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Penisola Magnisi (Punta Magnisi)
latitude 37º 9' 29.8" N longitude 15º 14' 2.9" E
The "Penisola" Magnisi is really an island in the Golfo di Augusta,
connected tenuously to the mainland by a causeway built across a former
sandbar. Located on the east point of the peninsula, about 5 km east of
Priolo Gargallo.
Photo courtesy Egido Ferrighi [fari] |
| IT 209 |
Punta Gennalena (Augusta Anteriore)
latitude 37º 11' 57.2" N longitude 15º 11' 3" E
Located on the west shore of the Golfo di Augusta about 10 km
southwest of the port of Augusta.
Photo courtesy Egido Ferrighi [fari] |
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| IT 210 |
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Dromo Giggia (Augusta Posteriore)
latitude 37º 12' 3.3" N longitude 15º 9' 9.2" E
Located on a hillside about 3 km west of the Punta Gennalena (front)
light and 800 m west of the old coastal highway.
Photo courtesy Egido Ferrighi [fari] |
| IT 211 |
Torre Avalos (Forte d'Avalos)
latitude 37º 12' 42.5" N
longitude 15º 13' 27.6" E
|
The Torre Avalos now stands inside a huge breakwater that encloses a
large part of the northern end of the Golfo di Augusta; the construction
of this breakwater made the lighthouse unnecessary.
This modern light is probably on a mast. There is a wooden walkway from the breakwater to the old fort,
but it does not appear to be open to the public. Located about 800 m
south of the southern tip of Augusta. Accessible only by boat. |
| IT 212 |
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Capo Santa Croce
latitude 37º 14' 36.4" N longitude 15º 15' 22.5" E
Located at the extreme tip of the cape, marking the northern end of
the Golfo di Augusta.
Photo courtesy giada57 [webshots] |
| IT 213 |
Brucoli (Castello Regina Giovanna)
latitude 37º 17' 8.5" N longitude 15º 11' 11" E
The castle was built in the 1460s and named for Juana Enriquez, the
second wife of Juan II, King of Aragon and Sicily, and mother of the
King Ferdinand who financed Columbus. Located on the waterfront of
Brucoli, a small but ancient port about 6 km northwest of Augusta on the
south shore of the Golfo di Catania.
Photo courtesy Egido Ferrighi [fari] |
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Catania Area
| IT 214 |
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Sciara Biscari (Catania)
Located on the Catania waterfront about 800 m south of the port
area.
Photo courtesy Egido Ferrighi [fari] |
| IT 215 |
Capo Molini
latitude 37º 34' 36.5" N longitude 15º 10' 33.6" E
The tower, known as the Torre Sant'Anna, was built as part of a
fortress in the late 1500s. Faro di Han is a bit unclear on its history;
apparently the present lantern was installed in 1919. Located on the
cape about 3 km south of Acireale and 10 km northeast of Catania.
Photo courtesy Egido Ferrighi [fari] |
 |
| IT 216 |
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Riposto (Punta Chiancona)
Located near the base of the breakwater mole in Riposto, about 11 km
north of Acireale.
Photo courtesy Egido Ferrighi [fari] |
| IT 216N |
Riposto (1989)
latitude 37º 43' 53" N longitude 15º 12' 35.4" E
Photo courtesy Egido Ferrighi [fari] |
 |
Malta
| IT 217 |
Giordan (Gordan, Gurdan)
Automated in 1994, the lighthouse is now the principal
Global Atmospheric Watch station for the Central Mediterranean. Located
at the western end of Ghawdex, 800 m from the brink of a sheer
cliff that drops directly into the sea.
Photo courtesy cheeky needle [Flickr] |
 |
| IT 218 |
Cirkewwa |
Not a lighthouse, but a very unusual minor aid to navigation.
Located at the end of the north breakwater at Cirkewwa, a port at the
west end of the island of Malta. There is a good view from ferries
linking Malta to Ghawdex. |
| IT 219 |
Portomaso Marina
This light marks the entrance to the marina of an upscale resort
development. Located on the Ponta ta'Spinola, on the west side of St.
Julian's Bay about 2.5 km northwest of Sliema.
Photo courtesy bonaface1010 [webshots] |
 |
| IT 220 |
Valletta (Fort St. Elmo)
|
Dominating the harbor of Valletta, Malta's capital, Fort St. Elmo
dates from the 16th century. Located at the tip of the peninsula
separating the Grand Harbour from the Marsamxett Harbour in Valletta.
|
| IT 221 |
St. Elmo (Grand Harbour West Breakwater)
latitude 35º 54' 9.6" N longitude 14º 31' 32.2" E
Located at the end of the breakwater on the west side of the
entrance to the Grand Harbour of Valletta.
Photo courtesy fjstelwagen [webshots] |
 |
| IT 222 |
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Ricasoli (Grand Harbour East Breakwater)
latitude 35º 53' 57.8" N longitude 14º 31' 23.2" E
Located at the end of the breakwater on the east side of the
entrance to the Grand Harbour of Valletta, adjacent to Fort Ricasoli. Photo courtesy sparijs [webshots] |
| IT 222F |
Fort Ricasoli |
There were two lights on the tower, arranged
vertically. South side of the
entrance to Valletta Harbour. |
| IT 223 |
 |
Delimara
Point (1855)
Located at the southeastern tip of Malta, about 3 km southeast of Marsaxlokk.
Photo courtesy H.H. Schueller [Flickr] |
| IT 224 |
Delimara
Point (1990) The modern light is on the top right corner of the
tower in the front.
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Sardinia
