The Procida Lighthouse: sentinel of the sea between past, present and future
On the western tip of the island of Procida, stands the Lighthouse, a historical monument that has watched over the Gulf of Naples for centuries. Its history is intertwined with the events of the island, a point of reference for sailors and fishermen. Over time, therefore, the Procida lighthouse has played a fundamental role in maritime safety.
A past as a guardian of the sea
Built in 1844, the Procida Lighthouse is part of a network of lighthouses that dotted the Italian coasts, dating back to the Bourbon period. Its light, visible for up to 18 nautical miles, was a fundamental point of reference for the boats that sailed the sea, guiding them through nocturnal dangers and in conditions of poor visibility. The lighthouse was manned by guardians who, with dedication and sacrifice, powered the oil lamp and ensured its uninterrupted functioning.
A present between history and tourism
With the advent of modern navigation technologies, the Procida Lighthouse has lost its primary function of night guidance. Currently, in fact, the lighthouse has been replaced by a fully automated version. However, its historical and cultural value has remained intact, transforming it into a sought-after tourist destination. Visiting the lighthouse means immersing yourself in the maritime history of the island, admiring the splendid view of the gulf and enjoying a unique atmosphere that smells of salt and past stories. From Punta Pioppeto, the area where the lighthouse is located, it is possible to admire the entire Phlegraean coast with excellent visibility over Capo Miseno, Monte di Procida, Torregaveta, up to Gaeta, on days with particularly clear skies.
A future of valorization and rebirth
Since 2021 the structure has been taken over free of charge by the Municipality of Procida. Unfortunately, at the moment it appears to be in a state of decay, although its charm remains unchanged. In the coming years the Procida Lighthouse will be the subject of restoration and enhancement interventions, with the aim of preserving its authenticity and opening it up to new purposes. The ancient building will be used as a museum, hosting exhibitions and installations that tell its history and connection with the territory. Furthermore, projects will be launched for the redevelopment of the surrounding area, creating panoramic paths and relaxation areas that allow visitors to fully enjoy the beauty of the place.
A beacon towards the future
The trend of recent years is precisely to recover and give a new life to the Lighthouses of Italy. For example, on the nearby island of Ischia, the famous Punta Imperatore lighthouse (the oldest in the Mediterranean) has been redeveloped into since 2023 accommodation facility.
The future of the Procida Lighthouse, however, will be directed towards dissemination of respect for the environment and location for events of various kinds. The aim is to transform it into a multifunctional cultural centre, open to various activities and capable of attracting a heterogeneous public. Educational workshops for children, literary and musical events, trekking and bird watching routes are envisaged, transforming the lighthouse into a center of attraction for lovers of nature, culture and good living.
