5 OPERATIONAL LIGHTHOUSES
A PIVOTAL PART OF CYPRIOT MARITIME HISTORY
Lighthouses have been an essential part of seafaring throughout the ages, and Cyprus lighthouses have played a pivotal role in Cypriot maritime history. They have helped ships, through the ages, stay on course by helping to negotiate dangerous seas off the island’s coast. Evidence of these structures is found in several ancient texts and writings, underscoring their importance to the island’s maritime history.
STAYING THE COURSE
The importance of the lighthouse is further highlighted by the fact that the ancient Egyptians, Phoenicians, Greeks, and Romans also extensively used them throughout the Mediterranean to guide ships into port. The concept of a lighthouse is also found in other far-off sea-faring lands. Viking Norsemen were also known to use a form of lighthouse to guide their long ships home after raids in far-off lands.
INTERNATIONAL LIGHTHOUSE DAY
International Lighthouse Day is celebrated all over the world every year on the third Sunday of August. This day often highlights and honours the importance of lighthouses and the role they have played throughout history.
CYPRUS LIGHTHOUSES
There are currently 5 operational lighthouses in the Republic of Cyprus
Paphos: Overlooking the harbour near the medieval castle
Paphos: Overlooking the coast of the Akamas Peninsula
Ayia Napa: Overlooking Cape Greco
Limassol: Overlooking the new port
Larnaca: Overlooking the Zygi Marina
