The lighthouse of Aforesmenos

The lighthouse of Aforesmenos is located 27km north of Agios Nikolaos, 20km from Elounda, and near the village of Vroucha. It was built on the cape of Agios Ioannis, on the north coast of Crete, at the point where the coastline follows a steep vertical course, forming the Gulf of Mirabello. It was built in 1864 by the French Lighthouse Company and joined the Greek lighthouse network in 1912-13 after the end of the Balkan Wars. The height of its tower is 9m and its focal height is 49m.

It is considered one of the important, newer monuments of the area, although it has been abandoned. Today the lighthouse is completely abandoned and the lantern that once greeted passing ships has been removed from the top of the tower and placed on a rock a little higher. A few years ago, the roof canopy was blown away by the strong winds that usually blow in the area, and so the lighthouse is now more exposed to the weather.

The Municipality of Agios Nikolaos has made efforts to restore and save the particularly aesthetic and rare architectural lighthouse from complete destruction, but unfortunately the condition of the lighthouse is still disappointing, although the lighthouse has been officially designated a protected monument… The only thing that withstands the ravages of time and neglect is the elaborate stone circular staircase that leads to the top. An impressive structure, with steps made of one-piece chiseled stone, bearing vertebrae which, when placed, simultaneously create the tower’s support pillar and protruding steps. The brave visitor can climb the winding stone staircase and emerge through the narrow hatch to the sea-swept top of the lighthouse. From there, they can gaze out over the vast blue of the Aegean and feel the wind and saltiness of the stormy sea.