"Do you see that light down there?!"
That's how the magic of the lighthouse began one mid-September night on the balcony at home.
In 26 years I had never noticed it, but it, the Jesolo Lighthouse (in the province of Venice), stands there, punctual as ever when the sun disappears, and despite the 30 km that separate us, it shows itself with its light.
A steady white light with four flashes every 20 seconds.
So I go to bed determined to admire it up close.
The next morning the sky is cloudy and although it’s mid-September, I’m already wearing a sweatshirt.
Reluctantly, I leave my swimsuit and towel at home but load the bike into the car. The lighthouse area is perfect for a nice bike ride and the temperature is ideal too.
I arrive at my destination and it’s there, beautiful and still.
Caressed by the sea breeze, perhaps a bit too chilly: summer really seems to have left without warning.
It’s built at the mouth of the Sile River, once the mouth of the Piave River whose course was diverted over time and whose name it still bears. The Jesolo Lighthouse is also known as the Old Piave Lighthouse..
It was built in 1846 for military purposes by the Austrian government, then destroyed by the German army during World War II and rebuilt between 1948 and 1951.
It is 48 meters tall, cylindrical in shape with white and gray stripes, and its light is visible up to 15 nautical miles.
Unfortunately, it is not open to visitors, while the side facing the sea is painted in black and white checkers.
With its 4 flashes every 12 seconds, its white light beam is visible up to 15 miles away!
The place is perfect for those who want to do some morning jogging, enjoy the peace of the sea, take some evocative photos, and watch boats passing to or from Venice.
And so, after visiting the two lighthouses, I head back home.
While watching the hypnotic light from the balcony, I dream of discovering other evocative lighthouses scattered along Italy’s beautiful coasts.
Any suggestions? :)