Sant Sebastià
It is the most important and highest lighthouse in Catalonia. It is located in the municipality of Palafrugell on top of the promontory of Cabo Sant Sebastià, at a height of 168 metres above sea level, on a very steep reddish and pinkish cliff that runs in a south-easterly direction. It houses an interpretation centre and very close by, about 500 metres to the north, is the hermitage of the same name.
Greater light range
It is the first lighthouse in Spain, and one of the first in the world, in terms of light range: 32 miles. But in practice, it can be seen from more than 50 miles away, thanks to its elevated location and light output.
It is listed as a First Order Great Lighthouse and since its inauguration on 1 October 1857, it has been the international reference lighthouse at the south-western tip of the Gulf of León. Its light is the nocturnal point of reference for the boats that seek refuge in the port of Palamós when northerly winds blow. Despite its importance, it was not electrified until 1940, with a 3,000 W lamp. Today it has a DGPS system.
The building is made up of a 12-metre-high cylindrical tower located on the centre of a white building with a red roof. Currently it also houses a public access interpretation centre: Espai Sant Sebastià.
Strategic point
It is located in a place of great maritime significance, as it is a strategic point in the passage of boats going to and from Marseille, Genoa and Corsica.
Since the Middle Ages, the tip of this promontory has always been occupied. In the 17th century, a hermit settled in the area, who served as lookout and sentinel, watching over the area and warning the surrounding residents of possible incursions by pirates or suspicious ships.
The Sant Sebastià lighthouse
Images of the lighthouse and its surroundings recorded by drones.
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