Chania Lighthouse

35.51955°N 24.01666°E / 35.51955; 24.01666

Chania Lighthouse
Φάρος Χανίων

Chania Lighthouse pictured in 2015
Location	Chania Municipality, Greece
Coordinates	35°31′10″N 24°01′00″E
Tower
Constructed	1839
Construction	stone (foundation)
Height	26 m (85 ft)
Shape	cylinder
Markings	unpainted (tower), white (lantern)
Operator	Chania Municipality
Heritage	listed archaeological site, Greece
Light
Focal height	26 m (85 ft)
Range	7 nmi (13 km; 8.1 mi)
Characteristic	Fl R 2.5s

Chania Lighthouse (Greek: Φάρος Χανίων), is a lighthouse located at the entrance of the port of Chania, on the island of Crete, Greece. It was built in 1864 on the site of the original lighthouse by the Venetians.^[1][2] It has been a listed archeological site in Greece since 1962.^[3]

History

Chania Lighthouse was originally a naval post created by the Venetians that would protect the city from oncoming Turks or pirates. In 1645, the Turks took control of the city, during which the lighthouse was left to ruins. Egyptian troops, who were aiding the Ottoman Empire in protecting Crete, rebuilt the lighthouse in 1864: only the base of the original lighthouse remains.^[4] In May 1915 a fixed white light was installed, marking it is an official lighthouse in Greece's network.^[5] The lighthouse suffered damage in World War II, and was refurbished in 2006.^[2]

Characteristics

The lighthouse is a stone masonry tower rising 26 metres (85 ft)^[2] above the bay below.^[1] At the top there is a gallery and light that flashes red each 2.5 seconds.^[5][6]