Penedo da Saudade Lighthouse
Leiria
The Penedo da Saudade Lighthouse, located in São Pedro de Moel, District of Leiria, Portugal, stands on a cliff 55 meters above sea level. Constructed of stone and masonry with brick tile covering, the quadrangular tower rises 32 meters and contains a spiral staircase inside. It was built to fill the navigational gap between Berlenga Lighthouse to the south and Cabo Mondego Lighthouse to the north, with construction starting in 1909 and operations commencing on February 15, 1912. Initially, the lighthouse used a rotating 3rd-order optical device fueled by oil vapor, later upgraded with generators in 1947 and connected to the public electric grid in 1980 when automation was installed. Despite interruptions during World War I and technical difficulties such as a thunderstorm in 1983, it remains functional and accessible to visitors on Wednesday afternoons. The lighthouse's reddish-brown tiled exterior and red lantern make it a visually striking landmark along the Atlantic coast. It serves both as a vital maritime guide and a cultural heritage site reflecting early 20th-century lighthouse engineering in Portugal.
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Tip: Visitors should plan to visit on Wednesday afternoons when the lighthouse is open to the public from 2 PM to 5 PM. It is advisable to check ahead for any temporary closures or weather-related disruptions. Purchasing tickets or booking tours in advance is recommended for groups. The lighthouse is best visited in clear weather for optimal views of the Atlantic coast and surrounding landscape.
Interesting facts
- •The lighthouse is positioned approximately halfway between Berlenga Lighthouse to the south and Cabo Mondego Lighthouse to the north, filling a critical navigational gap along the Portuguese coast.
- •It originally used an oil vapor-fueled rotating 3rd-order optical device with a 500mm focal length when it started operation in 1912.
- •The lighthouse was darkened during World War I from March 1916 to December 1919 to avoid aiding enemy ships.
- •In 1983, a thunderstorm caused technical difficulties that affected the lighthouse's operation.
- •Storm Kristin in January 2026 caused severe damage to the structure.
History
The need for the lighthouse was first identified in 1866, but formal approval for its construction was only granted in 1902.
Construction began in 1909, and the lighthouse became operational in 1912.
It was temporarily extinguished during World War I from 1916 to 1919 and again partially inactive in 1921 when its lighting system was moved to Cape Mondego Lighthouse.
The lighthouse underwent several upgrades including installation of generators in 1947 and connection to the public electric grid in 1980, when automation was also introduced.
In January 2026, the lighthouse suffered severe damage due to Storm Kristin.
Place Guide
Quadrangular Tower1912
The main tower is a 32-meter tall quadrangular structure made of stone and masonry walls covered with reddish-brown brick tiles. Inside, a spiral staircase leads to the lantern room at the top, which houses the lighthouse's light source.
Lantern Room1912
The lantern room features a distinctive red lantern housing the light source. Originally equipped with a rotating 3rd-order optical device, it has been updated over the years to modern lighting systems including automation installed in 1980.
Engine House1947
Built in 1947 to accommodate generators that modernized the lighthouse's power supply, the engine house is an important part of the lighthouse's technological evolution.
Contact
Phone: 244 599 130
