Farol do Cabo Sardão

The Cabo Sardão lighthouse was proposed in the 19th century, initially as a 3rd order light. The 1883 General Lighting Plan suggested a 2nd order lighthouse with alternating white and red flashes. However, construction only began after a 1902 commission recommended a small 3rd order device with white flashes every 10 seconds. The descriptive and budgetary document was completed in 1912, with a cost of 29,000 reis. The lighthouse began operating on April 15, 1915, using a 3rd order large model optic (500mm focal length) powered by petroleum vapor. It was electrified in 1950 with generators and a 3000-watt lamp. In 1984, it was connected to the public grid, switched to a 1000-watt lamp, and automated. Major renovations were carried out in 1999.