This site is a brief summary of an unpublished book entitled Azores Islands’ lighthouses and small beacons with pictures of all region lighthouses.
In an unforgettable journey I travelled through out all lighthouses, from Santa Maria Island till Corvo Island, and also by the “paradise” which are the Formigas Islets. None of the 17 lighthouses and 94 small beacons was forgotten, not even those that have been deactivated or destroyed by natural catastrophes such as the Capelinhos volcanic eruption, the 1980 and 1998 earthquakes. The outcome is 270 pages, 172 pictures, 10 maps, poems and lots of information in Portuguese and English.

Lighthouses since antiquity is the first part subject. The simple fires till the fully automatic recent structures. Within the same subject this book tells us about the most ancient lighthouse in mankind history, that became the model to build lots of others, namely in the Greek and roman times. You’ll also get to know about other lighthouses that were built around the world. Apart from stories about them, you’ll learn about the purpose of a lighthouse, its structure and mission, the optical apparatus and the invention of the lens system, which brought a revolution to the lighthouse’s world. There’s also a reference to the lighthouse keeper – a profession that many take as to be in extinction.

On the second part we have the geographical description of the archipelago and its islands, followed by the listing of lighthouses and small beacons that exist in each one of the nine islands, as well as their history and features along with pictures that were taken from land, sea and even aerial.
There’s a special reference to the Formigas Islets’ small beacon, which interior it’s know only by the navy maintenance crew.

The third, and last part, gathers several information and old curiosities that end up completing the approach to this subject. All technical aspects might be read and enjoyed, allowing the reader to know how lighthouses were in the past. Ancient fire extinguishers, the machinery, ancient clock mechanisms, tolls that were handmade by the lighthouse’s keepers, lamps, chimneys and lighthouse miniatures are also represented in this book.
My main goal is present to the world all the lighthouses of the Azores archipelago. However it’s not possible to unveil some mysteries that involve these “silent witnesses”.

In case someone shows interest in sponsor, buy or consult the book, please contact the author through the following e-mail:

furtadoeduardo@hotmail.com

                           Gonçalo Velho Lighthouse (Santa Maria)


photo: Max Brix Elisabeth