How many times have you been to the beach? Walt Disney World? The Smokies? Isn’t it time for a different kind of vacation? Our world is saturated in history. Our past is what made us the world we are today. One of the greatest memorials of our past are the lighthouses that led our ships home from open seas.
Some still do. They are so prevalent in history that there have been many songs, poems, and movies about the beacons of hope we call lighthouses. Below are some ideas for touring our world’s historical beacons.
Sambro Island Lighthouse, Nova Scotia, Canada
Canada is just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the United States and there are boatloads of historical grounds to discover while up north. One of the best places to search is the Sambro Island Lighthouse in Nova Scotia. From the get go, there was a great need for this lighthouse.
For at least nine years after the founding of Halifax, the ships in this port had no help navigating the treacherous coastline.
Local government tried several times, unsuccessfully, to erect the much needed help. Finally, in 1752, it was agreed up to fund the construction with a lottery and with tax money from the boats using the harbor. In the beginning, it was lit with fish oil. It is the oldest working lighthouse in the Americas.
Cape Schanck Lighthouse, Mornington Peninsula, Australia
Australia is a beautiful place to visit all on its own. From the unique wildlife to Sydney’s opera house to the enchanting reefs, Australia has more than its share of history and attractions to offer. One of the hidden jewels of this enduring country is the Cape Schanck Lighthouse located on the Mornington Peninsula.
This beauty was built in 1859 and is one of three lighthouses built before 1863 that still survives with its original stone spiral staircase. Meant to lead the way for ships entering Melbourne, the light in the Cape Schanck Lighthouse can reach a distance of 26 miles.
Tower of Hercules, Spain
Spain is one of the most traveled destinations in the world. It is the birthplace of the conquistador, the home of the first novel, and contains the oldest restaurant in the world. Many travelers seek rest and relaxation here often. This is more than doable since Spaniards devote about 16 out of every 24 hours to chilling out.
One thing many people do not consider when travelling to Spain is that it is also home to the oldest working lighthouse in the world today. The Tower of Hercules Lighthouse is also the oldest working Roman lighthouse. It was built between the 2nd and 3rd century CE and began its life at about 115 ft. tall. In the late 1700’s it was restored and had height added to it.
You don’t have to go to an amusement park to be amused. Switch it up and discover some of the planet’s most well preserved and foundational history. Visit the lighthouse.
