Świnoujście Lighthouse

Świnoujście Lighthouse, also known as Swinemünde Lighthouse, is an active lighthouse in Świnoujście (Swinemünde), Poland. At a height of it is the fifteenth tallest "traditional lighthouse" in the world, as well as the tallest brick lighthouse, and the tallest in Poland. It is located on the east bank of the river Świna just inside the entrance.HistoryThe first lighthouse in the location was built in 1828. The current structure is from 1857. The cross-section of the entire 1857 tower was octagonal. However, in 1902–1903 the tower was restored to repair spalled brickwork. This converted the shape of the tower above the first gallery to the current round shape.The tower was damaged during World War II. In 1945, during the retreat of the German troops, an order was given to destroy the lighthouse. However, the German keeper refused the order and the tower survived. The damage was only repaired in 1959.In 1998–2000, for the new Millennium, the lighthouse was restored. It was and opened to the public in August 2000, along with a lighthouse museum in the keeper's house.ConstructionThe tower is built of yellow bricks and is unpainted. The base of the tower is octagonal with a gallery. The tower itself is round with a second gallery and a lantern. In clear weather the view from the top gallery is about. Adjacent to the tower is a 2-story brick keeper's house and a museum.There are 300 steps up to the second gallery.VisitingThe museum and tower are open Monday through Friday.