La Paloma Lighthouse
Rocha
Cabo Santa María Lighthouse, located on the headland of Cabo Santa María in Rocha, Uruguay, is a historic maritime beacon overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Constructed between 1870 and 1874, it was built in response to numerous shipwrecks in the area. The lighthouse stands approximately 30 meters tall and features a distinctive spiral staircase with 143 steps leading to a balcony that offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding seaside resort of La Paloma. The structure’s construction required materials transported by ship from Montevideo due to the lack of local stone and iron. Tragically, during construction in 1872, a partial collapse resulted in fatalities among workers. The lighthouse was officially inaugurated on September 1, 1874, marking the foundation of La Paloma as a resort town. The first lighthouse keeper was Ciro Pini, an Italian immigrant who contributed to the design and settled with his family nearby, becoming among the first residents. Today, the lighthouse is a popular tourist attraction, appreciated for its historical significance and scenic vistas.
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Consejo: Visitors should plan to visit on weekends between 10:00-12:00 or 15:00-17:00, weather permitting. Tickets must be purchased in cash and are required for entry, with no admission for children under 8 years. The climb involves ascending 143 spiral steps, and balcony visits are limited to 20 minutes. Advance planning is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Datos interesantes
- •The lighthouse has a 143-step spiral staircase leading to the top balcony.
- •Its construction involved transporting stone and iron materials by ship from Montevideo due to local shortages.
- •A collapse during construction in 1872 tragically caused worker fatalities.
- •The lighthouse's inauguration in 1874 marks the official founding date of the La Paloma resort.
- •Ciro Pini, the first lighthouse keeper, was an Italian immigrant who helped design the tower and settled nearby.
Historia
Construction of the Cabo Santa María Lighthouse began in 1870 with materials brought by ship from Montevideo due to the absence of suitable local resources.
In April 1872, the tower partially collapsed at 30 meters height, causing fatalities among workers.
Despite this setback, the lighthouse was completed and officially inaugurated on September 1, 1874, coinciding with the establishment of La Paloma as a seaside resort.
The first lighthouse keeper, Italian immigrant Ciro Pini, also contributed to the design and became one of the first settlers in the area.
Guía del lugar
Spiral Staircase1870-1874
The lighthouse features a 143-step spiral staircase that visitors climb to reach the observation balcony. This staircase is a key architectural and functional element of the lighthouse.
Observation Balcony1874
Located at the top of the lighthouse, the balcony offers panoramic views of the Atlantic coastline and the surrounding geography of La Paloma. Visitors can take photographs and appreciate the seaside landscape.