Remember this: the Far del Llobregat stands as a beacon of history. It is a testament to Barcelona’s maritime past. The Far del Llobregat started as a defensive tower. This tower was built in 1566. It guarded the coast against pirates. Imagine those days. Corsairs attacked coastal villages. The Llobregat River offered them easy access inland.
This tower was not invincible. It was destroyed in wars. The Segadors War and the War of Succession both took their toll. Each time it was rebuilt stronger. In 1713, bulwarks were added.
Fast forward to 1848. A new idea emerged. The tower would become a lighthouse. Simó Ferrer designed the Far del Llobregat. He cleverly used the old tower’s remains. On March 1, 1852, the Far del Llobregat shone its first light. It became a model for other Spanish lighthouses.
Interestingly, the Far del Llobregat changed municipalities. In 1920, Barcelona annexed land from Hospitalet de Llobregat. This included the Far del Llobregat. Originally it belonged to Hospitalet de Llobregat. The coast from Llobregat to Montjuïc was expropriated. A free port was planned. The port was never built.
The Far del Llobregat’s administration also shifted. It began under the Ministerio de Marina. Later it moved to other ministries. Finally, in 1996, it came under Puertos del Estado.
The Far del Llobregat received upgrades over the years. In 1952, a new optical system was installed. A French company Barbier Bernard and Turenne created it. A new aeromaritime lantern was also added. It was inaugurated on September 5, 1956. In 1969, a radio beacon was added. This was replaced by a differential GPS station in 2001. The control panels were automated in 1986. Its light reaches 21 nautical miles.
The word “far” comes from the Greek word “pharos”. It means a construction to aid navigation. Lighthouses use light signals. These signals follow international standards. The flashes identify the lighthouse.
The Far del Llobregat emits one flash every five seconds. The building is mainly white. Details like moldings are gray. The main door’s frame remains unpainted stone.
Today, the Far del Llobregat is surrounded by the port. It stands near fuel depots. Access requires permission from the Port Authority. Despite its location, it still functions.
The Far del Llobregat is one of four lighthouses in Barcelona. The others include Montjuïc and two more in the port. Its glass cupola is special. Like others it illuminates the sea and sky. This helps both ships and planes. The tower measures 32 meters.
The Far del Llobregat continues its service. It begins at sunset and ends at sunrise. The Far del Llobregat remains a guiding light.