Cap d’Artrutx Lighthouse, Cap d'Artrutx, Spain

The Cap d’Artrutx Lighthouse is an active 19th century lighthouse located on the low-lying headland on Menorca. It was completed in 1859 but the tower was significantly increased in 1969. Automated in 1980, the keeper’s accommodation is now used as a restaurant. It was designed by the architect Emili Pou who planned a number of lights in the Balearic Islands.

The original tower was much shorter than that seen today, with a height of only 17 metres. Reverberations from waves entering a sea cave nearby caused problems within the lighthouse. In 1967, a new maritime lighting plan for the Balearics was drawn up which outlined the need for a higher tower at Artrutx. When the new tower was constructed in 1969, the 34 metre high cylindrical structure was built with four buttresses or ribs, giving the light a unique shape in comparison to others in the archipelago.

With the automation of the lighthouse in 1980, the unused keeper’s accommodation was later converted into a café and restaurant, providing food and drink to patrons who visit to watch the sunset on the terrace. The lighthouse can be visited when the restaurant is open, but the tower is closed.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

Natalie Cowell (5 months ago)
Beautiful lighthouse with amazing views. The bottom of the lighthouse has been turned into a lovely place. I didn't eat but the drinks were reasonably priced.

Debbie Brodley (6 months ago)
Absolutely amazing sunset here! Must visit if you're on the south side of Menorca. We visited mid week to watch the sunset so had some drinks but the food that was coming out looked great so we went back at the weekend for food. Not too expensive.

Mark Leat (6 months ago)
Great place to view the sunset. Ticket system that includes a drink (I think to ensure that people actually buy a drink) is a little cumbersome. Restaurant quite pricey.

Simon Blake (7 months ago)
Wonderful location for a drink as the sun goes down. On entry you pay 10 Euro each and that gives you a drink voucher for a drink at the bar. Music was playing through outdoor speakers but nothing offensive or too loud. Great atmosphere and a real find.

Emma Pritchard (7 months ago)
Lovely place to watch the sunset, 10 euros per person entrance fee which includes a drink and a neck scarf. Can eat or just have a drink. Gets very busy at sunset

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright Mark1792

Historic Site of the week

Rosenborg Castle

Rosenborg Palace was built in the period 1606-34 as Christian IV’s summerhouse just outside the ramparts of Copenhagen. Christian IV was very fond of the palace and often stayed at the castle when he resided in Copenhagen, and it was here that he died in 1648. After his death, the palace passed to his son King Frederik III, who together with his queen, Sophie Amalie, carried out several types of modernisation.

The last king who used the place as a residence was Frederik IV, and around 1720, Rosenborg was abandoned in favor of Frederiksborg Palace.Through the 1700s, considerable art treasures were collected at Rosenborg Castle, among other things items from the estates of deceased royalty and from Christiansborg after the fire there in 1794.

Soon the idea of a museum arose, and that was realised in 1833, which is The Royal Danish Collection’s official year of establishment.

Cap d’Artrutx Lighthouse

Address

Details

More Information

Rating

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Historical Gems of Costa Verde

Historic Site of the week

Rosenborg Castle