The Punta Secca lighthouse and its square
Descrizione
The Punta Secca Lighthouse, also known as Capo Scaramia, overlooks the scenic Amerigo Vespucci seafront and stands as a maritime and historical symbol of the area. Completed in 1859, it was designed by engineer Nicolò Diliberto D’Anna and built as a 36-meter-high cylindrical masonry tower, visible from afar and serving as a landmark for navigation in the Mediterranean Sea. The lighthouse emits two white flashes every eight seconds, with a light range of about 16 nautical miles, ensuring safe passage for vessels. At its base lies a U-shaped building that once housed the lighthouse keepers, guardians of this important coastal outpost. In front of it lies Piazza Torre, dominated by the historic Scalambri Tower, a 16th-century watchtower now repurposed as a venue, which recalls the coastal defensive history. The fame of the lighthouse and the village has grown thanks to the popular TV series Inspector Montalbano, which brought Punta Secca to national and international attention as a cultural and tourist destination, highlighting the historical, maritime, and scenic charm of this enchanting Sicilian location.
