Lighthouses always attract attention. Possibly, their look is associated with traveling, legends, or an unusual lifestyle of the caretaker.

Praia has its lighthouse, functioning for more than 200 years. It is the lighthouse of Dona Maria Pia or as it is also called Farol da Ponta Temerosa or Farol da Praia. This old structure is located in Ponta Temerosa, on the Western side of the Praia port entrance on the island of Santiago.

The history of Farol Dona Maria Pia does not have any special milestones. Its construction started in 1880 when the country was a Portuguese colony. The architects created an octagonal shape. They affirmed that, unlike the usual cylindrical form, such a lighthouse would be more resistant to winds and other weather influences. And, as time will show, they did not lose.

The work was completed a year later. On June 13, 1881, a fire was lit on the lighthouse, which was supposed to point the way to the navigators.

Today, the lighthouse is serving as a navigation object. A lighthouse caretaker also lives and works here, maintaining a fire in the tower every day. Besides, now Farol Dona Maria Pia is one of the main Praia attractions.

Firstly, the lighthouse has been recently restored, so it is facing guests in its most beautiful form. Secondly, entering the old building through the low century-old wooden door, tourists come to a small museum, where old maps, documents and signal documents are hung on the walls. Thirdly, visitors can climb the spiral staircase to the top of the lighthouse and look at the incredibly beautiful view of the ocean, coast, and the city itself.

There are no official excursions to the lighthouse. But a friendly caretaker is always happy to meet guests and tell them all the secrets and legends of his old friend for a small fee.