A PAPHOS LANDMARK
BRITISH INTERESTS
In the late 19th century, The Suez Canal became essential to the British Empire. Ships travelling to and from its colonies in the east relied on this waterway to ship various goods throughout the empire and Britain needed to add security to the route. Britain’s presence in Cyprus helped to ensure this security and the island acted as a handy stop off point en-route for many of these ships.
COASTAL PAPHOS
British Shipping at this time, often struggled to negotiate the waters off the coast of Paphos and after much deliberation, the British administration decided that the construction of a new lighthouse would help the ships into the Paphos harbour. Work on the new lighthouse began in 1887 after a site was chosen near the Paphos harbour. The project took a year to complete and in 1888, the lighthouse became operational. The lighthouse’s white washed walls, stand at an impressive 38 metres above sea level. The actual height of the structure is 20 meters, but it gains an additional elevated height of 18 metres, by the precipice on which it is located. The lighthouse compound also consists of a cottage for the lighthouse keeper, and some small buildings for accessories.
THE LIGHTHOUSE TODAY
Today, the Paphos lighthouse still serves as a reference point for boats and ships negotiating the Paphos harbour. The Cyprus Port Authority is responsible for its operation and uses an automated system to operate its function. The automated system signals a white warning light, which rotates every 15 seconds. The modern lighting system has increased the luminous intensity of its ray and visibility is possible from 17 nautical miles away.
THE MUSEUM
Restoration of the lighthouse has occurred many times over the years and careful credence has gone into maintaining its original appearance. Decisions have also been made regarding the structure’s modern role on the island and the last restoration of the tower saw the installation of a gallery and museum on the site. The area surrounding the lighthouse has become the Archaeological Park of Kato Paphos, and this along with the museum and gallery attracts large numbers of visitors every year. In 2011, the Cyprus postal service featured the Paphos lighthouse in a collection of commemorative stamps, depicting Cyprus lighthouses, confirming the landmark as a symbol of the region’s proud maritime history.
