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Panagia (Mantona) Lighthouse: A Historic Guardian of Paxos

The Panagia Lighthouse, also known as Mantona Lighthouse, holds a significant place in the maritime history of Paxos. Located on the small islet of Panagia, just off the eastern coast of Paxos near the port of Gaios, this lighthouse has been guiding sailors for nearly two centuries. Its rich history, dating back to the 18th century, is intertwined with both religious and navigational traditions, offering a unique blend of cultural and practical significance.

The Origins of the Panagia Lighthouse

The origins of the lighthouse can be traced back to 1776, when the Velianites family pledged to maintain a lantern in the bell tower of the church on the island of Panagia. This lantern was meant to protect sailors from danger, providing them with a beacon of hope as they navigated the treacherous waters surrounding Paxos. Though modest in its beginnings, this gesture laid the foundation for the development of a more formal lighthouse system on the islet.

By 1825, during the period when the Ionian Islands were under British protection, the Panagia Lighthouse as we know it today was constructed. It became part of the Hellenic Lighthouse Network in 1864, following the unification of the Ionian Islands with Greece. During World War II, the lighthouse ceased operation, but in 1946, it was restored and resumed its role as a vital guide for sailors. In 1982, the lighthouse was automated and converted to run on solar energy, featuring a single flash every five seconds that reaches up to 10 nautical miles.

Architectural Features and Structure

The Panagia Lighthouse stands as a fine example of 19th-century lighthouse architecture. It consists of a circular stone tower that rises 7.8 meters in height and has a diameter of 1.60 meters. Attached to the tower is a ground-floor house, which historically served as living quarters for the lighthouse keepers. This house includes a hallway, three bedrooms, a kitchen, and a bathroom with showers.

One of the most unique aspects of the Panagia Lighthouse is its proximity to a small church, which adds a spiritual dimension to its otherwise practical purpose. The church, like the lighthouse, stands as a beacon for those seeking safety and guidance.

A Vivid Description by Salvator

A vivid description of the lighthouse was provided by Salvator, who highlighted the lighthouse’s distinctive features. He noted the 20-meter-high white stone tower located next to the church, with an iron railing and a lantern that rises 31 meters above the sea. The lantern’s light, visible up to 10 miles away, once guided sailors safely into the port. Salvator’s account also details the lighthouse keepers’ quarters and the wooden staircase that led up to the lantern room. From the lighthouse, one can enjoy stunning views of the port’s entrance, the surrounding monastery grounds, and the picturesque Albanian and Corfu coasts.

Conclusion

The Panagia Lighthouse, with its rich history and distinctive architecture, continues to serve as a symbol of safety and guidance for sailors. Its enduring legacy, from its humble beginnings as a lantern in a church bell tower to its modern-day automated solar system, showcases the evolution of maritime navigation on Paxos. Visitors to the island can still see this historic structure, which stands not only as a functional lighthouse but also as a monument to the island’s cultural heritage.