Punta Penna Lighthouse

Punta Penna Lighthouse is an active lighthouse in Vasto, Italy. At a height of it is the eighth tallest "traditional lighthouse" in the world, and the second tallest lighthouse in Italy after the Torre [della Lanterna|Lantern of Genoa]. It is located at a strategically important spot in Via Madonna della Penna at the port of Vasto.

History

Built in 1906, it has been repeatedly reconstructed. In 1944, the retreating German army destroyed part of the old lighthouse and it was demolished. Reconstruction started in 1946, working from the design of the architect Olindo Tarcione; it reopened on 2 May 1948.
The lighthouse is unusual as it looks like a regular brick building with a two-story base which provided housing for the light keeper family and also houses some administrative offices.
A spiral staircase of 307 steps leads up to the summit.