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Gape Gourouni – Lighthouse Gourouni
A lighthouse on an island is typically a tall tower-like structure built on the coast or shoreline of an island that emits light to guide ships and boats navigating through nearby waters. The light from the lighthouse acts as a warning signal to help ships avoid dangerous areas, such as rocky shores, reefs, or other hazards that could cause them to run aground or become lost in the sea.
Lighthouses are often seen as symbols of safety, guidance, and hope, particularly in times of darkness, storms, or uncertainty. They have been used for centuries as aids to navigation, and many lighthouses around the world have become iconic landmarks and cultural symbols, representing the importance of maritime trade, exploration, and travel. In addition to their practical function, lighthouses have inspired literature, art, and mythology, and have come to represent human perseverance, resilience, and the power of light in the face of darkness.
LIGHTHOUSE AT GAPE GOUROUNI
The lighthouse Gourouni, which is located 10 kilometers from the village of Glossa, is built at the northernmost point of the island of Skopelos. It is one of the oldest lighthouses in Greece. The tall tower in the shape of a cylinder has a height of 8 meters, therefore it offers an unparalleled view of the endless blue of the Aegean Sea. The lighthouse is visible from the main port of Skopelos and its light beam is visible at a distance of 17 nautical miles.
The Gourouni lighthouse was running on an oil lamp. This condition prevailed until 1984 when it was changed to an electric system with a fossil gas lamp. In 1989, since today, it became automatic.
“Gourouni” means pig in Greek, the name comes from the fact that the place is shaped by the snout of a pig at a distance. During the summer tourist season, the lighthouse is open so that visitors to the island can visit it and enjoy the unique panorama, especially in the sunset.
OFFICIAL REGISTRATION TO VAULT OF INDUSTRIAL ARCHIVES
The lighthouse was originally chosen to be built in the area of “Paliofanaro”, but it was finally decided to erect it at Cape Gourouni, which offered better lighting.
It was constructed in 1889, by the Greek State with oil as the source of energy. The focal height of the lighthouse is 70 meters, with the height of the tower being 14 meters. The lighthouse is classified as a class C catadioptric.
The light emitted by the beacon was steady white light, bright and weak, fluctuating down to a white flash every two-three minutes and a brightness of 20 nautical miles. This data is provided by the 1934 lighthouse marker.
The Gourouni lighthouse remained off throughout the duration of World War II it remained closed. It was reopened in 1944, during the reconstruction of the lighthouse network, with oil as the energy source. In 1984 the lighthouse was electrified and operated as a supervised electric lighthouse until 1989 when it was fully automated.
Today, according to the Industrial Inventory Reports, the main feature of the lighthouse, except its height, is the three white flashes every 30 seconds and a flare of 20 nautical miles.
The ground floor house consists of three rooms, a hall, kitchen, and storage room with a total area of 140 sq.m. Near the building there is a furnace and W.C. The whole building is built with “pori”, i.e. volcanic arch. This material was chosen as it is lighter than stone.
Protected Lighthouse of Historical Interest
The lighthouse at Cape Gourouni in Skopelos has been classified as a Protected Lighthouse of Historical Interest by the Ministry of Culture of Greece in 1996. This means that the lighthouse has been recognized as an important monument of the country’s cultural heritage and is subject to special restrictions for its preservation and protection.
It also means that the lighthouse may have limited opening hours or restricted public access. Before visiting the Gourouni lighthouse in Skopelos, you should check the latest information and restrictions with the local authorities or local organizations responsible for the management of the lighthouse.
accessibility to the lighthouse
As already stated, the Gourouni Lighthouse is located on the northernmost side of Skopelos Island, near the village of Glossa. To reach the lighthouse, visitors may need to travel along unpaved or dirt roads, as is often the case with lighthouses situated in remote or rugged locations.
The condition of the road leading to the Gourouni Lighthouse may vary depending on weather conditions, maintenance schedules, and other factors. Visitors should be prepared for a potentially bumpy or uneven ride, and it is recommended to use a sturdy vehicle that can handle the terrain.
It is also important to note that lighthouses may have restricted access or limited visiting hours for safety or preservation reasons. Before visiting the Gourouni Lighthouse visitors should check with local authorities or tour operators for up-to-date information on accessibility, road conditions, and visiting guidelines.
Approach and reaching the impressive lighthouse has a small degree of difficulty. The despotic building is located 10 km from Glossa village. From there is a road to go by car. The first 8 kilometers are with paved roads and there are 3 km of dirt roads.
In particular, the dirt road has many stones and some small ruts, and at some points, it is narrow allowing the passage of only one car. By car, guests can reach the barbed wire fence of the lighthouse but care is needed if the vehicle is low.
WORLD LIGHTHOUSE DAY
World Lighthouse Day, also known as International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend, is celebrated annually on the third weekend of August. In 2023, the weekend falls from August 19th to 20th. It is also a day to celebrate the contributions of the people who have worked to build, maintain, and operate lighthouses around the world. Many lighthouses around the world also offer special tours, events, and activities on this day to promote public awareness and appreciation for these iconic structures.
On the island of Skopelos in Greece, the dominant Lighthouse at Gape Gourouni, that have played important roles in guiding ships through the Aegean Sea. World Lighthouse Day on Skopelos Island is an opportunity to honor the history and cultural significance of these structures, which have served as beacons of safety and security for sailors and fishermen for generations.
Those who visit the lighthouse at Cape Gourouni are impressed by its location and the view of the endless blue and the Aegean Sea.
Today, the lighthouse is one of the most important sights of Skopelos and can be visited by tourists.
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