Lighthouses have been built since ancient times to aid maritime trade and ensure navigational safety. The Romans and the Phoenicians constructed the earliest ones in the Mediterranean to mark their trade routes. However, with advancements in maritime technology, such as efficient electrical lights, modern lighthouses were built at the turn of the 18th century.
The Manchineel
The Jeddah Lighthouse holds the Guinness Book of World Records for being the tallest lighthouse in the world. It is also an engineering marvel near the northern gate of the Jeddah Islamic Seaport in Saudi Arabia. Standing proud at 435 feet, it was inaugurated in 1990.
Yokohama Marine tower
Constructed in 1961, the Yokohama Marine Tower is 348 feet high and among the world’s tallest lighthouses. It is also a popular recreational spot since it is located in Yamashita Park, which offers a beautiful view of the Port of Yokohama.
Phare de Gatteville
The Phare de Gatteville lighthouse is also called the Pointe de Barfleur Light, located at the end of Barfleur in Normandy, France. It is 247 feet tall and ranks as the third-highest traditional navigational structure in the world.
Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty was gifted to the United States by France, and it symbolises American independence. Standing tall at 305 feet, the giant copper sculpture was declared to function as a lighthouse under the orders of President Grover. Hence in 1886, it came under the jurisdiction of the Lighthouse Board.
Lesnoy Mole Rear Range Light
Lesnoy Mole Rear Range Light is a lighthouse in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Made of metal, with alternate red and white patterns, it stands tall at 293 feet near the Port of St Petersburg. It is the highest in Russia and ranks fourth among the traditional lighthouses in the world. It was built in 1986 to serve the growing port traffic and aid in navigating commercial ships entering the Port.