Farol da Ponta do Pargo

The Ponta do Pargo Lighthouse was proposed in the 1883 General Lighting Plan, but studies only began in 1896. The construction project was drafted in 1911, and the lighthouse began operating on June 5, 1922. The 14-meter tower stands at 312 meters altitude and was equipped with a 2nd-order lenticular optic (700 mm focal length) and a constant-level petroleum lamp, later replaced by petroleum vapor incandescence in 1937. Electrified with generators in 1958, it was connected to the public grid and automated in 1989 using the DF system. In 1999, it was declared a cultural asset of local value by the Regional Government. A small museum center was created in 2001. The lighthouse was originally planned with a 3rd-order optic, but upgraded to a 2nd-order system, enhancing its range and importance on Madeira Island.