La Farola, Malaga

The La Farola is a 21.64 meter high lighthouse in Malaga that towers above the harbor. The name is unique because lighthouses are generally called El Faro in Spain using the masculine gender rather than La Farola, the feminine gender as used in the name of the Malaga lighthouse.

The La Farola was designed by army engineer, Joaquin. M Pery y Guzman and built in 1817. It replaced an earlier lighthouse built at the location in 1724. A four meter extension was added at the top of the lighthouse in 1885 and a new lighting device was installed. The structure was damaged during the earthquake of 1898. It was repaired again between 1909 and 1913 with the help of engineer, Mauro Serret and an additional structure to accommodate the family of the lighthouse keeper was added. The lighthouse was damaged during the Spanish Civil War and restored again in 1939. Today, it is being remodeled to accommodate a museum dedicated to the port of Malaga.

Today, La Farola serves the port and air traffic. The light gives 3+1 flashes every 20 seconds. Visitors can reach the lighthouse by bus and by taxi and enjoy spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea and the port of Malaga from the building.