>> Click to enlarge << Anka von der Woude, the architect from IMD ... Photo by: Peter Elbert

The 1916 California Lighthouse in Aruba, a Caribbean nation that is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and off the coast of the South American country of Venezuela, has been restored.

>> Click to enlarge << The newly fabricated upper section and lantern of ...

The major restoration was done by MonumentsFund Aruba, and the lighthouse will again be opened to the public. During the restoration, it was discovered that the original tower had only stone blocks, hewn on site from the island, as the exterior walls. The cement coating was not added until the 1930s.

>> Click to enlarge << The California Lighthouse before restoration. Photo by: Peter Elbert

The first order lens that was once in the tower has been located and will be displayed at a location yet to be determined. Currently, a flashing beacon is in place and acts as an aid to navigation for the local fishing and tour boats.

>> Click to enlarge << The California Lighthouse after restoration. Photo by: Peter Elbert

The lighthouse is being leased to Aruba Ports Authority and La Trattoria El Faro Blanco Restaurant, which is in the former lighthouse keeper’s quarters.

>> Click to enlarge << The entire California Light Station in Aruba as ... Photo by: Peter Elbert