Guia Lighthouse (Farol da Guia), Cascais

The Guia Lighthouse is a majestic white octagonal tower, standing at a height of 28 meters. Constructed using sturdy masonry, it showcases remarkable architectural beauty. Alongside the main tower, there is a smaller red beacon called Farolim de Enfiamento Santa Marta - Guia, which emits a red light with a range of 18 nautical miles.

The significance of this location for navigation has been recognized since 1523 when the area was first illuminated by the hermitage of Nossa Senhora da Guia. The hermitage, built on land donated by D. Luiz de Castro, the Lord of Cascais, featured a tower with a set of four or five oil lamps that provided a visible light source to aid sailors from a considerable distance. The hermitage's brotherhood was responsible for maintaining the light, ensuring it remained lit for around eight months each year.

Unfortunately, the tower suffered significant damage during the devastating earthquake of 1755, necessitating extensive reconstruction and equipment replacement. To illuminate the dark stretches of the Portuguese coast, Marquês de Pombal, in collaboration with the Commerce Board, established the "Serviço de Faróis" (Lighthouse Service) through the decree of February 1, 1758. As part of this initiative, six lighthouses were built along the coast, with Guia Lighthouse being one of them.

The present-day Guia Lighthouse is the result of the reconstruction of the original hermitage. It was the second lighthouse established by the Serviço de Faróis in 1761, emitting a steady white light from 16 Argand lamps. In optimal visibility conditions, the light could reach a distance of 13 nautical miles within a sector of 240 degrees. The tower, with its eight faces, stands at a height of 23 meters and is made of thick masonry walls adorned with white tiles added in the mid-19th century, which were later renovated in April 2003.

Currently, the lighthouse is not manned, and its residences are utilized by lighthouse keepers who serve in the Lighthouse Directorate. The telecontrol system has been replaced by a monitoring system that sends an SMS message to the keeper's mobile phone, alerting them to any malfunctions.

Guia Lighthouse stands as a testament to Cascais' maritime heritage and continues to serve as a vital navigational aid for ships approaching the entrance of the Lisbon harbor. Its historical significance, architectural grandeur, and enduring role in coastal illumination make it a must-visit attraction for those interested in maritime history and the captivating charm of Cascais.

In conclusion, Guia Lighthouse in Cascais beckons visitors to explore its captivating beauty and discover the rich maritime heritage it embodies. With its storied history, architectural splendor, and ongoing contribution to safe navigation along the Atlantic coast, Guia Lighthouse stands as a shining beacon of Cascais' maritime legacy.