Gdańsk Nowy Port Lighthouse

The Gdańsk Nowy Port Lighthouse, built between 1893 and 1894, is a historic landmark located in the Nowy Port district of Gdańsk. Its architecture features an octagonal tower that tapers towards the top, crowned by a gallery with intricately forged railings, modeled after the now-demolished lighthouse in Cleveland. It was the first lighthouse on the Baltic Sea to use electric light. The tower stands 31.30 meters tall, with the light situated 27.30 meters above sea level, and has a nominal range of 17 nautical miles (approximately 31 kilometers). The lighthouse emits a distinctive light pattern consisting of flashes and pauses. Historically, the lighthouse played a significant role in maritime navigation, also serving as a pilot tower and housing a Time Ball. Its mechanism allowed ship navigators to determine the exact time. During World War II, the lighthouse witnessed the shelling of Westerplatte, adding to its historical significance. After being decommissioned in 1984 due to the activation of a modern lighthouse in the Northern Port, the structure passed into private ownership. Since 2004, it has been open to the public. In 2008, the Time Ball was reconstructed and now indicates the time at specific hours of the day. The lighthouse was recognized as a Well-Maintained Monument in 2010, highlighting the importance of its preservation for future generations. Today, it is not only a tourist attraction but also a valuable part of the region's cultural heritage.