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Avilés completes the refurbishment of its lighthouse dome

The Port Authority of Avilés has completed the refurbishment of the historic Avilés Lighthouse, located at Punta del Castillo on the Nieva Peninsula (Gozón), on the right-hand side of the Avilés estuary entrance. The lighthouse serves as the navigational aid marking the entrance to the Port of Avilés. Almarin supplied the new lantern dome for Avilés Lighthouse and carried out the dismantling of the deteriorated existing structure, replacing it with a new stainless steel lantern dome that is more durable, corrosion-resistant and requires minimal maintenance.

Thanks to the efficient coordination of the works, the entire intervention was completed in just two days during June.

The new dome, manufactured from red-painted stainless steel, preserves the lighthouse's distinctive aeronautical-maritime appearance while maintaining its historical heritage value. The glazing, consisting of 6 mm and 8 mm curved toughened float glass, is integrated into a structure featuring diagonal mullions and triangular glass panels.

The original dome has been removed and will be restored before being reinstalled as an ornamental feature within the lighthouse grounds.

Almarin, a member of the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA), previously refurbished the lantern domes of Cap de Creus Lighthouse and the Barcelona Harbour Entrance Lighthouse. The company is currently also refurbishing the lantern dome of Punta Galea Lighthouse in Getxo (Biscay), at the entrance to the Bilbao estuary.

Preserving a historic lighthouse

San Juan Lighthouse is included in Spain's catalogue of lighthouses of heritage interest, with a history spanning more than 150 years. It was first illuminated in 1863 using an olive oil lamp, which was replaced by a paraffin lamp in 1882. In 1917, an extension was added to the façade facing the estuary to improve the living conditions of the lighthouse keepers. The lighthouse was electrified in 1940, and in 1957 its aeronautical-maritime lantern was installed.

Over the years, the site was expanded with a two-storey building housing staff accommodation, a workshop and storage facilities, creating the complex that exists today.

With this project, the Port Authority of Avilés reinforces the preservation of one of the most iconic elements of the estuary's maritime heritage while ensuring the continued reliability of the lighthouse's navigational light.