The story of Europa Point Lighthouse!
- Dominic Francis
- Aug 9
- 2 min read
49 meters above sea level, the Europa Point lighthouse is the only Trinity-operated lighthouse outside the British Isles. Standing at 19 meters tall. In Llanito, it is known affectionately as "la farola" or Victoria Tower.
The cylindrical tower of the lighthouse is of a classic British design, and construction was started in 1838. The buildings around the lighthouse base were traditionally the housing for the lighthouse keeper.
Before the lighthouse's construction, the only guiding light in the area was that from the Shrine of Our Lady of Europe, a Roman Catholic shrine. Though originally built as a mosque. This, unsurprisingly, caused problems for ships trying to navigate through the straits and the bay of Gibraltar, most commonly with a group of jagged rocks on the western side of the Gibraltar Bay, known as the Pearl Rock.
Following construction, the lighthouse was first lit in 1841, thought as a single stationary wick oil lamp. It wasn't until 1894 that the light became occulting. The next major changes for the lighthouse were its electrification in 1956 and automation in 1994.
The structure underwent an extensive refurbishment in 2016 during which its first and current LED bulb was installed. The previous optic is now on display at the University of Gibraltar.
The operation of the lighthouse today falls under an Act of Parliament from 1938, making Trinity House its authority. Though in practical terms some of the responsibilities are shared with the Gibraltar Port Authority.
The lighthouse remains in active operation, with a range of approximately 33km. Helping many ships avoid collision with the rock through one of the busiest shipping channels in the world. The lighthouse’s aids to navigation and other systems are primarily monitored and controlled from Trinity House’s Planning Centre in Harwich, Essex.
Guided tours of the attraction are available during the day, operated by the Gibraltar Heritage Trust. You can find out more about the experience on offer at this site using the link below. Visits to the upper areas of the lighthouse can be incorporated into your rock tour on request, with discounts on ticket prices.
