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LIGHTHOUSES AND THEIR HISTORY
But first, a lighthouse, what is it?
Lighthouses are elements of maritime signalling, but they are also part of the traditional maritime landscape and have become elements of French heritage. This is what a lighthouse is.
Thanks to advances in technology, the lights that were used a few years ago for their function as large landing lights, today have a heritage function. Some are also used as relay antennas for civil or defense communication networks.
Smaller lighthouses are always useful for guiding ships in harbor entrances or dangerous navigation areas.
A little history...
The word lighthouse comes from Pharos , an island located off Alexandria, Egypt, on which Ptolemy I had a huge lighthouse built at the beginning of the 3rd century BC. J.-C.. The lighthouse of Alexandria was considered the seventh wonder of the world, and especially the highest lighthouse in the world, if we are to believe historians and archaeologists. It was over 100 meters high and could be seen from a distance of 50 km. For comparison, the tallest lighthouse in Europe is currently that of the Virgin Island , which measures 82.50 m. The lighthouse of Alexandria completely disappeared in the 14th century due to several earthquakes.
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