Akko Light

Akko Light

Akko Light in 2009
Location	Acre, Israel
Coordinates	32°55′9.43″N 35°3′59.22″E
Tower
Constructed	1864 (first)
Foundation	concrete
Construction	concrete tower
Height	33 feet (10 m)
Shape	cylindrical tower with four ribs, balcony and lantern
Markings	tower black and white checkerboard, grey metallic lantern dome
Heritage	heritage site in Israel
Light
First lit	1912 (current)
Focal height	51 feet (16 m)
Range	10 nautical miles (19 km)
Characteristic	Fl (2) W 7s.

Akko Light (Hebrew: מגדלור עכו) or Acre Light, is an active lighthouse in the port of Acre, Israel. It is located on the South-West corner of the city's ancient walls, at what is believed to be the former site of an Ottoman Burj-El-Sanjak (Flag Tower, Hebrew: מגדל הדגל).[1]

History

The station was established in 1864.[2] As charts of the area were based on measures from 1862, the French navy chart of 1866 does not mentioned it, and it only appeared later on amended charts.[3] The current structure was established in 1912.[2]

Structure and display

The main structure is a 33 feet (10 m) tapering cylindrical concrete tower with four ribs. It is painted in a black and white checkered pattern and topped with a gray metallic lantern room and a gallery. A small white painted equipment shack stands next to the tower.[2]

The light is displayed at 51 feet (16 m). The light characteristic shown is two white flashes every seven seconds (Fl.(2)W.7s), visible for 10 nautical miles (19 km; 12 mi).[4]

The lighthouse is closed to the public, but there is a stone stairwell going down from the base directly into the sea.

See also

• List of lighthouses in Israel

References

1. Dave Winter (1999). Israel handbook. Footprint Travel Guides. p. 592. ISBN 1-900949-48-2.
2. Rowlett, Russ. "Lighthouses of Israel". The Lighthouse Directory. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Retrieved 2010-07-19.
3. "נמל עכו במפות ימיות מודרניות" [Acre port in modern marine charts] (PDF). אופקים בגאוגרפיה (56): 62–77. 2003. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2010-09-19. Retrieved 2010-07-18.
4. List of Lights, Pub. 113: The West Coasts of Europe and Africa, the Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea and Azovskoye More (Sea of Azov) (PDF). List of Lights. United States National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. 2009. p. 355. Listed as "Akko (Acre), S. of town".