Savudrija Lighthouse

Savudrija light was built in 1818 on the low rocky point that forms the north-western corner of Croatia, and it is the oldest lighthouse still working on the Adriatic. It was among the earlier lights anywhere to be fuelled by gas, produced on site from coal. The tower is 29 metres of stone, its light 36 metres above the sea, with keepers' quarters at the base, some of which are now let as accommodation. The romantic story attached to it - that an Austrian count built it for a love affair with a Croatian woman who died before it was lit - circulates locally and is not supported by the construction records, which show a straightforward Habsburg navigation project.

History

The lighthouse was designed by the architect Pietro Nobile, and building began in March 1817, paid for by shares issued through the Trieste Chamber of Commerce, which wanted a light to guide ships to the port of Trieste; Emperor Francis I supported it and was present when it was first lit in April 1818. It was the first lighthouse designed and run on coal gas, and although this was widely praised, continuing problems soon led to a switch to oil. The tower, of local stone, was first 19 metres high with a double gallery and a grey lantern; the keeper's two-storey house and outbuildings were finished in 1821, and in the late 19th century the tower was raised by 10 metres to its present 29. An Italian light at Barletta of 1807 was older but was shut down in 1959, which leaves Savudrija the oldest working lighthouse on the Adriatic; Croatian Post put it on a set of stamps in 2007 (Wikipedia, Savudrija Lighthouse).

Highlights

• The oldest working Adriatic light - built in 1818.
• A 29 metre stone tower - with keepers' quarters at its base.
• An early gas-fuelled light - the gas made on site from coal.
• A romantic story that is not documented - the count and his lost love.

When to go

May to September. Two hours.

What to expect

The tower is not open to climb and the site is essentially a viewpoint. The point is flat, exposed and treeless. Facilities are none apart from the accommodation lets. Parking is limited.

Nearby

Umag is south; the Slovenian border and Piran are north.

Key facts