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Lighthouse · La Paloma, Rocha
Faro del Cabo Santa María
30-meter lighthouse lit in 1874 on cabo Santa María, a landmark in the founding of La Paloma. A spiral staircase of 143 steps leads to the balcony, with views over the town and the beaches.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Faro del Cabo Santa María
The cabo Santa María lighthouse was built because of the many shipwrecks along the Rocha coast. Construction began in 1870 with stone and iron brought by ship from Montevidéu, since there was no suitable material in the region. In April 1872, when the tower had already reached 30 meters, it collapsed and killed workers who were on site.
The tower was rebuilt and lit on September 1, 1874, a date considered to mark the founding of La Paloma. The first lighthouse keeper, the Italian Ciro Pini, helped with the project and stayed to live on the cape with his family, among the first residents of the resort.
Today the lighthouse is operated by the Armada Nacional and is a National Historic Monument. The circular masonry tower has a dome with red and white bands, and the light stands 42 meters above the sea, with a range of about 20 nautical miles.
Inside, 143 spiral steps lead to the balcony. From up there you can see the old town, the port, the island La Tuna and the beaches on both sides of the cape. Time on the balcony is limited, and children under 8 years old do not go up.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 30 minutes to climb and enjoy the view; an hour if combined with the walk along the cape.
Best time
The climb is only open on certain days and at certain times, which change with the season: check before you go. From the outside the lighthouse can be seen at any time, and late in the afternoon the cape is busy because of the sunset at La Balconada beach.
How to get there
It is located on the tip of cabo Santa María, in La Paloma's old town, a few blocks from the center and Avenida Solari. You can walk there from almost anywhere in the resort.
Tip
Bring cash in pesos uruguayos for the entrance fee, which is usually charged only in cash. It is very windy on the balcony: hold on tightly to your phone and hat.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Faro del Cabo Santa María
Can you climb the La Paloma lighthouse?
Yes, on days and times set by the administration. There are 143 spiral steps to the gallery. Children under 8 years old are not allowed to climb. Check before you go.
When was the lighthouse built?
Construction began in 1870. The first tower collapsed in 1872, and the current lighthouse was lit on 1 September 1874, the date of La Paloma's foundation.
How tall is the lighthouse?
The tower is 30 meters tall, and the light is about 42 meters above sea level.
What can you see from the top?
La Paloma's historic center, the port, the island La Tuna, the beaches on both sides of the cape, and the Atlantic Ocean.