To sum up

Located on the island of Las Palomas in the Strait of Gibraltar Nature Park, the project objective was the rehabilitation and conditioning of the old residential building attached to the Tarifa lighthouse, which was abandoned. This included the comprehensive recovery of its spaces, especially the central patio around which the construction is organized, and its facades, based on historical images. Organizationally, with the functions of the lighthouse service concentrated, the rest of the spaces were intervened with versatility criteria to enable its use as an Interpretation Center by the Municipality of Tarifa. This center now features a permanent exhibition about marine biodiversity, the ecological importance of the Strait of Gibraltar, and local history as the strategic defensive role of the island of Las Palomas due to its proximity to Africa. Since its opening in 2023, more than 10,000 visitors have been welcomed.

The project is part of the Port Authority of Algeciras Bay’s ‘Green Strategy’ and its program to enhance its historical heritage. It also includes the modernization of the lighthouse, to meet the new needs of maritime navigation, particularly through digitization.

Built on an ancient watchtower dating back to 1588 and renovated in 1813, the Tarifa lighthouse was the first to light up the waters of the Strait of Gibraltar. It is also the most southerly lighthouse on the European continent. Its historical and cultural importance has been recognized by its designation as a Site of Cultural Interest (BIC).

Positioning of the project in relation to the Agenda 2030’s goals*

*According to Algeciras Bay Port Authority

	Directly related	Indirectly related	Not related
Goal 1: Climate change adaptation		x
Goal 2: Energy transition & circular economy		x
Goal 3: Sustainable mobility			x
Goal 4: Renewed governance	x
Goal 5: Investing in human			x
Goal 6: Port Culture & Identity	x
Goal 7: Quality food for all			x
Goal 8: Port city interface	x
Goal 9: Health & life quality			x
Goal 10: Protecting biodiversity		x

Learn more about the AIVP commitment: Agenda 2030 by AIVP

Outstanding features

• Use of LED lighting, helping to limit energy consumption and materials with good thermal properties,
• Transformation of a remarkable piece of derelict heritage into a new educational and cultural attraction for the benefit of the community,
• A fruitful port-city collaboration has been established between the port authority and the municipality. The port took charge of the rehabilitation project, while project management was provided by the Municipality of Tarifa;
• During its 1st year of operation, the educational and cultural space received a total of 9,734 visits, 91% of which were national visitors.

Images of the project

About the Algeciras Bay Port Authority

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