O Faro de Finisterre!

O Faro de Finisterre
What is it? O Faro de Finisterre is the westernmost lighthouse in Europe, located at “the end of the world!”
What makes it historical? Cape Finisterre was named by the Romans when they conquered the Iberian Peninsula. The name means “End of the World,” because after this rocky cape, there is only ocean! On this site, it’s believed that ancient Celtic tribes built an Ara Solis (sun temple) and burned fires here to guide mariners safely past the dreaded Costa da Morte, or Coast of Death!

Designed by Félix Uhagon, the lighthouse replaced these fires in 1853 and ran on olive oil until it was electrified in 1931. Visible from over 65 km away, O Faro de Finisterre keeps ships safe to this day! A little building called La Sirena produces regular warning sounds that can be heard from 25 miles away! Even with all these modern updates, you can still see little fires on the slopes, made by peregrinos burning their socks at the end of the world!

How can I Help the Helpers? HERE’S HOW:

  • Volunteer for the Concello de Fisterra!
  • Be a responsible visitor! Please respect the signs and pathways, and treat all structures and artifacts with respect. They’ve endured a lot to survive into the present. They’ll need our help to make it into the future!
Where is this place? Carretera do Faro, s/n
15155 Finisterre, A Coruña
Spain

From Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port: ~502mi (808km) — 167.4hrs
From Burgos: ~337mi (543km) — 112.4hrs
From León: ~234mi (377km) — 78hrs
From Santiago de Compostela: ~50mi (81km) — 16.7hrs

When should I go? Whenever the mood strikes you!

O Faro de Finisterre

Click here to see more from El Camino de Santiago de Compostela!

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