Guia Lighthouse

Cascais, Portugal, Portugal

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Guia Lighthouse, or Farol da Guia, in Cascais, Portugal, originated in the early 16th century when the nearby Chapel of Our Lady of Guia, built in 1523, first used oil lamps atop a tower to guide ships entering the Tagus River estuary, marking one of Portugal's earliest navigation aids.

Severely damaged by the 1755 earthquake and tsunami, it was rebuilt in 1761 under the Marquis of Pombal's initiative to establish six key coastal lighthouses, later modernized with a fixed light in 1812, a lenticular apparatus in 1879, electrification in 1957, and automation in 1982.

This active, octagonal white tower with a red lantern, offering an 18-nautical-mile range and panoramic ocean views, remains a vital maritime beacon and popular scenic spot near Cascais.