Dili Harbor Lighthouse

The lighthouse was erected to replace an earlier structure, which was only 7 m (23 ft) high, emitted a light that was blending with other lights of the city, and was already in danger of falling into ruin.^[1]

The date of construction of the earlier lighthouse is not known. However, there is evidence of studies during the tenure of José Manuel Pereira de Almeida [de] as Governor of Portuguese Timor (1863–1864) for the construction of a lighthouse 3.75 m (12.3 ft) high. The studies depict a structure with a stone base, quadrangular mechanism, and an upper terrace with a cylindrical structure supporting the lamp.^[1]

Construction of the present lighthouse began in 1889, during the governorship of Rafael Jácome Lopes de Andrade (1888–1890).^[1] In that year, the masonry base was completed.^[2] Maps published in 1892 and 1893 document both lighthouses simultaneously.^[1]

The present lighthouse was completed in 1896,^[3] and has twice been reconstructed and improved: in 1932, and between 1948 and 1949 after the Japanese occupation of Portuguese Timor.^[1] The latter refurbishments included the landscaping of the lighthouse's platform.^[2]

In 1949, a nearby house, which had been built before the Japanese occupation on the other side of what is now the Avenida de Motael [de], was adapted to become the residence of the lighthouse keeper.^[2]

In the early 1950s, the adjacent area, informally named "Bairro do Farol", was developed in accordance with the 1951 General Urban Plan of Díli, as a residential area for high level colonial public servants and Europeans.^[1][2]

Currently, the lighthouse consists of a 17 m (56 ft) octagonal metal skeletal tower rising from a massive masonry base, with a lantern and gallery at its peak. Access to the lantern is by an exposed stairway spiralling around a central column.^[1][3][4]