California Lighthouse

California Lighthouse
(Faro)
1. Front view of California lighthouse
2. Close up view of the top
LocationNorthwestern tip of Aruba near Arashi Beach
Coordinates12°36′50″N 70°03′05″W / 12.613756°N 70.051422°W / 12.613756; -70.051422
Tower
Constructed1916
Foundationoctagonal prism stone basement
Constructionrubble stone, lime, and cement
Automated1970
Height30 metres (98 ft)
Shapetapered cylindrical tower with double balcony and lantern
OperatorMonuments Fund Aruba
Heritagecultural heritage monument in Aruba 
Light
First lit1918
Focal height55 metres (180 ft)
Lensnone
Light sourceKerosene (1918)
Acetylene gas (1965)
electricity (1970)
Range19 nmi (35 km)
CharacteristicFl(2) WR 10s 

The California Lighthouse, known by locals as Faro stands tall on a limestone plateau at Hudishibana, near Arashi Beach and Sasariwichi dunes on the northwestern tip of Aruba. It holds the distinction of being the tallest structure in Aruba. This lighthouse derives its name from a British steamship, S.S. California, which sank in 1891, predating the lighthouse's construction (c.1914–1916). The lighthouse was specifically erected to prevent similar tragedies. In May 2016, the lighthouse underwent a restoration, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of its completion.

The large sand bay located on the northwest corner of Aruba named "Sesereweetje" (Dutch orthography) or "Sasariwichi" by the Indigenous people as documented in 1773
Restoration of the lighthouse (2016-2017)