Portopí

Gazing up at the Portopí Lighthouse, did you ever imagine it began its life on a different hill? This iconic landmark, a beacon for ships for over 700 years, wasn’t always perched here. Portopí Lighthouse, a Historic-Artistic Monument since 1983, has a history stretching back to 1300. A document, part of King Jaime II of Mallorca’s will, mentions the lighthouse. This will now resides in the National Library of Paris. The original lighthouse stood on the site of the current Fort of San Carlos. However, the fort’s cannons, when fired, would shatter the lighthouse’s lantern glass. This led to the relocation of the lighthouse to its present location, atop the Torre de Senyals (Signal Tower). Portopí is not just a pretty landmark. It’s the second oldest lighthouse in Spain and one of the oldest still operating globally. The lighthouse has seen remarkable technological advancements. In 1807, it received a rotating lens, a cutting-edge feature then. Portopí switched from olive oil to Scottish paraffin in 1893, underwent electrification in 1918, and received a new cathodic lens in 1927. This makes Portopí the only Spanish lighthouse using this particular type of lens. Inside, a treasure trove awaits. A permanent exhibition showcases maritime signals and navigational aids. It is considered one of Europe’s best collections of its kind. Briefly, in 1972, the lighthouse was decommissioned, deemed unnecessary due to port growth and modern beacon networks. However, its historical significance couldn’t be ignored. Portopí Lighthouse was relit in 1977, ensuring its continued legacy.