Niechorze Lighthouse

The Niechorze Lighthouse, situated on the cliffy shore of the Baltic Sea in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship, was put into operation on December 1, 1866. Its tower, rising to a height of 45 meters, is made of light-yellow brick and features a quadrangular shape at the base, transitioning to an octagonal shape at the top. It is adorned with red and black-glazed brick pilaster strips, and its summit is crowned with a viewing terrace. The lighthouse plays a crucial role in monitoring ship traffic in the Baltic Sea as part of the HELCOM AIS-PL project system. The history of the lighthouse is tumultuous; in 1945, it was damaged by an artillery shell, and in 1948 and 1997, it underwent significant reconstructions and renovations, which helped preserve its architectural and historical value. In 2000, a renovation was carried out to improve the living conditions of the lighthouse keepers. The lighthouse was entered into the register of historical monuments in 1997, and in 2023, its tower was restored, including the renewal of plaster and bricks. Also in 2023, a monument to the lighthouse keeper was unveiled, commemorating all those who worked at this important institution. The lighthouse has also become part of local culture; it was featured in the 1964 film *Beata*, directed by Anna Sokołowska, and on the cover of Agnieszka Krawczyk’s book *Lato wśród wydm* (Summer Among the Dunes). The lighthouse is also depicted on a Polish postage stamp, further highlighting its cultural significance. Nearby runs the E9 Coastal Trail, a tourist route, making it an important point for tourists visiting the Rewal region. Interestingly, as one of the few lighthouses on the Polish Baltic coast, it plays a key role in tourism and navigation, and its picturesque location and surroundings make it an attractive destination to visit.