Bizerte Lighthouses | Bizerte

Bizerte Lighthouses generally refers to the system of coastal lights and beacons around the city of Bizerte, Tunisia, which guide ships into the harbor and along the northern Mediterranean coast of Africa. These lighthouses are not only functional aids to navigation but also represent the maritime and colonial history of the region. Below is a detailed account of the main lighthouses associated with Bizerte and its surroundings:

1. Feu de Bizerte (North Jetty Light / Jetée Nord)

Location: Positioned at the northern end of Bizerte’s main harbor entrance, this light is critical for guiding vessels safely into the port.

Structure: A small, truncated green-painted tower, built of masonry. It stands directly on the jetty and is relatively modest in size.

Light Function: Emits a fixed green light, a standard maritime signal marking the starboard (right) side of the port entrance when arriving from the sea.

Height: Approximately 8 meters.

Status: Fully automated, not accessible to the public.

Purpose: Assists in night navigation and marks the edge of the entrance to the Port of Bizerte.

2. Feu de Bizerte (East Jetty Light / Jetée Est)

Location: Opposite the North Jetty Light, on the east side of the port’s entrance channel.

Structure: A taller red cylindrical masonry tower, mounted on a square concrete base, with a gallery and lantern.

Light Function: Emits a fixed red light, indicating the port (left) side of the channel as ships enter.

Height: Around 17 meters, making it more prominent than the North Jetty light.

Status: Automated and also closed to public access.

Function: Complements the green light of the North Jetty to define the navigational channel for incoming vessels.

3. Cap Serrat Lighthouse (Green Mountain Lighthouse)

Location: Located on Cap Serrat, a headland southwest of Bizerte, near the remote and scenic beaches between Sejnane and Tabarka.

Structure: A traditional masonry lighthouse situated atop a hill known as “Green Mountain,” providing excellent visibility.

Function: Serves long-range maritime traffic navigating the western coast of Bizerte Governorate.

Access: The area is less developed and remote, with natural beauty, but the lighthouse can usually only be observed from a distance unless special permission is granted.

Historical Role: Played a vital role during French colonial times as part of the broader network of Tunisian coastal navigation aids.

4. Cap Angela Lighthouse

Location: At Cape Angela, the northernmost point of Africa, around 15 km northwest of Bizerte.

Structure: A white lighthouse with a tower that stands as a geographic and navigational landmark.

Scenic Importance: The location is a geographical milestone and offers exceptional panoramic views over the Mediterranean Sea.

Tourism: Though the lighthouse itself is not open for visits, the surrounding site is a popular destination for tourists wanting to visit the northern tip of the continent.

Function: Marks this extreme geographic point and supports vessel traffic moving along the Tunisian coast.

5. Îles Cani Lighthouse

Location: On Grand Île Cani, an island roughly 12 km offshore from Cape Zebib, southeast of Bizerte.

Structure: A 12-meter square stone tower with red and white horizontal bands, accompanied by a one-story keeper’s residence.

History: Constructed in 1888 and still active, it is one of Tunisia’s older functioning lighthouses.

Light Pattern: Emits two white flashes every 10 seconds, with a red sector covering dangerous western areas to warn ships of rocks and shoals.

Accessibility: The island is remote and not open to casual tourists. The lighthouse can be seen from passing vessels or on clear days from parts of the mainland.

Significance: Key offshore lighthouse ensuring safe navigation in a region of open sea with submerged hazards.

Summary of Importance

The lighthouses around Bizerte are strategically located and serve multiple roles:

Navigational safety for commercial and recreational vessels.

Heritage landmarks representing French colonial maritime infrastructure.

Scenic and cultural interest as symbols of Tunisia’s relationship with the sea.

While most are not publicly accessible due to automation or restricted location, they can often be viewed from surrounding cliffs, beaches, and during coastal boat trips. Cap Angela and Cap Serrat especially offer a combination of historical and natural interest for visitors.

These lights, along with Bizerte’s natural harbor and Mediterranean location, continue to affirm the city’s long-standing maritime importance in North Africa.