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Santa Croce lighthouse
The Santa Croce lighthouse has its roots in fairly remote times. According to an ancient popular legend, Empress Elena of Byzantium, returning from the pilgrimage to the Holy Land, traveled on a ship with a precious cargo on board containing some relics of the Holy Cross.
Forced by a violent storm to land near Mount Tauro, the Empress, in gratitude for the rescue of the remains of the Cross on which Jesus died, built a church dedicated to the Holy Cross, also raising a large cross. Since ancient times, popular voices have narrated the existence of a cross, located right near this lighthouse. Unfortunately the bad weather that has followed over the years has destroyed the Cross and today there is no evidence of its construction.
Adriana Zappulla tells us her photo:
The Santa Croce lighthouse was built in 1856 by the Bourbons, and takes its name from the district in which it is located.
In 1932, under the fascist regime, a first restoration was carried out and a large cistern for the collection of water was built. During the Second World War, the lighthouse was an important observation point, but following the bombing it was abandoned. After the war ended, the lighthouse resumed its work and in 1979 with the retirement of the last guardian, the lighting system was automated.
The caretaker’s house was also abandoned until 1995, when the restoration of the structure began.
Today the lighthouse is home to the Auxiliary Coast Guard and the Sea Education Center school.
The Santa Croce lighthouse area presents a respectable panorama, thanks to the presence of thick vegetation and a splendid cliff that is reflected in the blue Ionian Sea.
Photographer: Adriana Zappulla.
The photo is owned by © Adriana Zappulla
We thank Adriana Zappulla for this beautiful sunset shared on Planet Color Photography.