The Historic Lighthouses of Paxos and Antipaxos

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The Historic Lighthouses of Paxos and Antipaxos

The Historic Lighthouses of Paxos and Antipaxos: Guardians of the Ionian Sea

The Ionian Islands are home to several historic lighthouses that have stood as steadfast guardians for sailors over the centuries. Among these are the iconic lighthouses of Paxos and Antipaxos, each with its own unique history, architectural features, and significance to maritime navigation. These lighthouses not only illuminate the way for ships but also offer fascinating glimpses into the region’s past. In this post, we explore the three most important lighthouses in the area: Lakka Lighthouse, Panagia (Mantona) Lighthouse, and Antipaxos Lighthouse (Punta Ovoros).

1. Lakka Lighthouse: A Beacon of Resilience

Perched on the northern tip of Paxos, overlooking the village of Lakka, the Lakka Lighthouse has a rich history dating back to 1825. Originally equipped with a reflector system featuring ten parabolic mirrors, the lighthouse underwent several upgrades over the years. In 1913, a geological subsidence caused the original lighthouse to collapse into a ravine. Fortunately, there were no casualties, and a new lighthouse was constructed in 1916.

The new Lakka Lighthouse, built at a location known as Kuera, was outfitted with a powerful light machine capable of emitting three white flashes every 24 seconds, visible up to 26 nautical miles away. Despite challenges posed by World War I, the lighthouse was completed in 1919 and remained operational until it was bombed during World War II. After extensive repairs, it was relit in 1952, and today it continues to serve as an essential navigational aid.

Architecturally, the lighthouse consists of a square, stone-built tower and a spacious stone house that includes three bedrooms, a kitchen, and a bathroom. A 2-meter-high stone wall surrounds the property, offering both security and a sense of history. Visitors can reach the lighthouse via a dirt road, just 1 kilometer from the picturesque village of Lakka.

For more details and images you can check out the lighthouse’s page!

2. Antipaxos Lighthouse: The Southern Sentinel of Punta Ovoros

On the tiny island of Antipaxos, the Punta Ovoros Lighthouse stands tall at the southeastern edge, overlooking the Ionian Sea. Built in 1906, this lighthouse has played a vital role in guiding ships through the often turbulent waters around Antipaxos. During World War II, like many other lighthouses in Greece, it ceased operation but was restored and reopened in 1945 as part of the nationwide lighthouse reconstruction effort.

The lighthouse underwent electrification in 1985, replacing its traditional oil lamps with modern electric systems. In 1992, it was fully automated, and today it emits a characteristic white flash with three red sectors, visible up to 12 nautical miles.

The Antipaxos Lighthouse consists of a square stone tower that connects to the lighthouse keeper’s house, which has three bedrooms, a hall, and a bathroom. Additional outbuildings serve as storage spaces. Situated at a focal height of 41 meters, the lighthouse offers sweeping views of the sea, making it an ideal spot for navigation and appreciating the island’s natural beauty.

3. Panagia (Mantona) Lighthouse: An Icon of History and Faith

Located on the small islet of Panagia, near the port of Gaios, the Panagia Lighthouse (also known as Mantona Lighthouse) has a history that dates back even further, with notarial records referencing a lantern being lit in the area as early as 1776. The current lighthouse, however, was built in 1825 under British rule, and it became part of the Greek Lighthouse Network in 1864 when the Ionian Islands were united with Greece.

The lighthouse played a crucial role in maritime navigation until it was decommissioned during World War II. After the war, it was restored in 1946, and in 1982 it was automated, using solar energy to power its flashing light. Today, the Panagia Lighthouse stands 31 meters above the sea and emits a beam visible up to 10 nautical miles, helping guide ships into the nearby port.

The lighthouse’s architectural charm includes a circular stone tower that rises 7.8 meters, with an adjacent house consisting of three bedrooms, a kitchen, and a bathroom. The lighthouse sits near a small church, further connecting the structure to the local history and the faith of those who depended on its light.

For more details about the Lightouse of Panagia Islet, you can check out the dedicated page!

Conclusion: The Timeless Guardians of Paxos and Antipaxos

The lighthouses of Paxos and Antipaxos are more than just functional structures—they are monuments to the maritime history of the Ionian Islands. From the resilience of Lakka Lighthouse, which rose from the rubble after its collapse, to the enduring charm of Panagia Lighthouse and the technological advancements of Antipaxos Lighthouse, each of these beacons tells a story of dedication and adaptation in the face of change. They continue to light the way for sailors while offering visitors a chance to explore the rich heritage of the region.