Farol da Gibalta

Two red range lights were established at Alto de Caxias and Porto Côvo in 1878 to guide ships entering Lisbon. After the completion of the Caxias lookout tower in 1879, a fixed red light was installed there. In 1913 it was decided to transfer the range lights to Esteiro and Gibalta. The Gibalta Lighthouse entered service in May 1914 with a 13‑metre tower, a 5th‑order lens and a fixed red 15° sector. The light became flashing in 1951. A landslide in March 1952 caused part of the lighthouse to collapse onto the railway; the remains were demolished and a temporary light installed. A new lighthouse, built 30 metres from the original, began operating in May 1954 with a 21‑metre tower and a 5th‑order bull’s‑eye lens. A directional radio beacon was tested in 1960. The lighthouse was automated in 1981 and became unmanned. From 1997 onwards it has remained lit year‑round, and in 2000 a new remote‑control system was installed.