Three ears or three beaks. What could possibly inspire such curious names for a lighthouse? We are standing before the Farol dos Três Bicos. It is also known as Farolim das Sobreiras or Farol Medieval.
Once upon a time in the parish of Lordelo do Ouro stood a guiding light. This was no ordinary beacon. The Farol dos Três Bicos served as the rear range light. It marked the entrance to the Douro River. Imagine the 18th century. Picture a column topped with a white lantern. This structure guided ships safely into the harbor.
Its unusual names came from a unique feature. Behind the lighthouse stood a granite wall. It had three battlements. These resembled a defensive structure. Locals saw either three ears or three beaks in its shape. So the names Farol das Três Orelhas and Farol dos Três Bicos were born.
The Farol dos Três Bicos played a vital role. It worked in tandem with the Farolim da Cantareira. Together they created a visual line. This line ensured vessels could safely navigate the Douro’s entrance. The two lights were 562 meters apart on a east-northeast line.
In the early 1990s, progress came knocking. The headquarters of the National Association of Young Entrepreneurs needed a home. The Farol dos Três Bicos stood in the way. In 1993 or 1994, the lighthouse was moved 15 meters. The original stone wall was lost forever. It was replaced with a concrete wall. This wall was supported by a metal frame. Despite the move, its orientation remained true. It still guided ships entering the Douro.
The construction of new northern and southern jetties changed the Douro’s entrance. The Farol dos Três Bicos was no longer needed. Its light was extinguished in 2006. But its story didn’t end there. The column and lantern were moved to the Farol de Leça. They are now on display.
The Farol dos Três Bicos stands as a testament to maritime history. It shows how structures adapt to changing needs. It reminds us of the importance of guiding lights. Although it no longer shines from its original location, its legacy lives on. It connects us to Porto’s rich nautical past. Take a moment to appreciate this little lighthouse. Think about its journey. Consider the stories it could tell.