Punta de Maisí Lighthouse turns 161 years old

HePunta de Maisí Lighthouse, in the eastern province of Guantánamo, turned 161 years old this Sunday and remains active illuminating sailors who cross the strait between Cuba and Haiti.

This important Cuban lighthouse was founded on November 19, 1862, although its construction began in 1857. It is 37 meters high. Its tower is white and cone-shaped. In the dome shines a "lantern" with a mechanism of French origin with an optic that emits a signal of 27 nautical miles.

The Guantanamo journalist Miguel Reyes Mendoza recalled the anniversary of the lighthouse that is considered the first in the country due to its geographical location at the eastern end of the island.

"This jewel, ourLighthouse of the easternmost point of Cuba, Masi, turns 161 years old. It is a beauty from where you can see the mountains of the Dominican Republic and on one side the Haitian Camp. "Which of you have come up here?" the journalist asked.

His publication received hundreds of interactions and some Cubans claim to have visited the lighthouse. However, it is a little-known place for most people born in the country.

Among the comments, many highlight the work of the lighthouse keepers, which has been passed down from generation to generation, especially by the Uranga family.

"Congratulations to those families of tower keepers who watch over maritime safety 24 hours a day. Those who give their experience from generation to generation. There we can find grandparents, children, grandchildren, brothers, who dedicate their lives to ensuring that this guiding light never goes out." said one person.

The Secret Nature Facebook profile was on this summerPunta de Maisí Lighthouse, they interviewed the current keeper and left memorable images of the lighthouse.

They explained that on clear mornings you can see the three mountains of Haiti to the east and on the other side, a unique semi-desert landscape with endemic species of melocactus.

There are 165 steps to the top of thePunta de Maisí Lighthouse. Three tower keepers work there and they are all family members and live in the surrounding houses. The main keeper is called Erasmo Uranga Leiva and he has been working in this position since 1994.

Uranga's great-grandfather also worked there, as did his grandfather, father and uncle. He is already preparing for his retirement and is teaching his son to follow in his footsteps.

This important Cuban lighthouse is also known asLa Concha Lighthouse, was named in honor of the Captain General of the island, José Gutiérrez de la Concha.

The work ofPunta de Maisí Lighthouse, is essential because for more than a century and a half it has guided every vessel that navigates through the dangerous strait known as "The Passage of the Winds."