The Punta San Cataldo Lighthouse is a historic monument active since 1869, standing 62 meters tall with 380 steps leading to a panoramic view of Bari and the Adriatic. Inside, the Radio Museum tells the story of Marconi’s first commercial radiotelegraph connection (1904). The surrounding garden, with flowers and fruit trees, completes the experience. 380 steps for a 360° view; Radio Museum with historical artifacts; Garden with a bread oven; Italy’s third tallest lighthouse.
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Italy’s third tallest lighthouse in Bari: 62 meters, 380 steps, and the Radio Museum dedicated to Marconi. Built in 1869, it offers breathtaking views of the sea and the city.
- Lungomare Giambattista e Pietro Starita, Bari (BA)
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A Lighthouse That Touches the Sky
When you arrive in Bari, you see it immediately: the Punta San Cataldo Lighthouse stands tall along the waterfront, white and imposing. It is the third tallest lighthouse in Italy, at 62 meters, and climbing its 380 steps is an experience you won’t forget. But it’s not just a climb: inside there is a radio museum that tells an incredible story, that of Marconi and the first commercial wireless connection. And then, from up there, the view stretches over the Adriatic Sea and the old city. A place that combines adventure, history, and technology.
From 1869 to Today: A Story of Light and Communication
Built in 1869, the lighthouse has always watched over the port of Bari. Until 1987 it was gas-powered: a 60 kg acetylene cylinder was hoisted up each year. The lamp rotated thanks to a counterweight, like a clock. And on August 3, 1904, right here beside it, Marconi inaugurated the first commercial radiotelegraph connection with Montenegro. Today everything is automated, but you can still breathe in the history. Here are the key moments:
Historical Notes – Timeline
- 1869: The lighthouse was activated.
- 1904: Inauguration of Marconi’s first commercial radio link.
- 1987: Switch from gas to electricity and automation.
- Today: The lighthouse is automated but open to visitors, with a radio museum.
380 Steps to a Breathtaking View
The climb is a small challenge: 380 spiral steps, no elevator. But every step is worth it. The windows along the way offer ever-changing glimpses, and at the top a 360-degree view of Bari, the port, the waterfront, and the Fiera del Levante awaits you. The Adriatic Sea feels within reach. Bring your camera: the panorama is postcard-perfect. Not for those with vertigo, but for me it was the highlight of the visit.
Marconi, radio, and a secret garden
Inside the lighthouse, on the ground floor, you’ll find the Radio Museum. A small space with historical artifacts and films from 1910 to 1950, all dedicated to Guglielmo Marconi and his first radiotelegraph connection from Bari to Montenegro. Outside, instead, there is an unexpected garden with flowers, fruit trees, and an old bread oven. It feels like a countryside corner in the city. The museum is free and run by the Vedetta sul Mediterraneo association.
Three good reasons to go up
1. The view: from the top you see Bari like never before, with the sea stretching to the horizon. 2. The radio museum: a dive into the history of telecommunications, free and fascinating. 3. The unique atmosphere: between the lighthouse, garden, and sea, it’s a place that stays with you. And it’s free (but you need to book, eh).
At Sunset, When the Lighthouse Lights Up
The best time? Late afternoon, toward sunset. The warm light bathes the lighthouse in gold and the sea turns pink. If you’re lucky, you can see the beam start to rotate: three flashes every 20 seconds, visible up to 23 miles. Spring and autumn offer mild weather and clear light. Avoid summer if you don’t want the sun beating down on the climb.
Fiera del Levante and the Seafront
The lighthouse is located near the Fiera del Levante, a large exhibition center that hosts events throughout the year (the September trade fair is unmissable). Just a stone’s throw away are the Stadio della Vittoria and the Starita Seafront, perfect for a walk after the visit. If you have time, continue to the San Francesco pine forest: a green lung just steps from the sea.
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💡 Did You Know…?
Until 1987, the lighthouse was powered by acetylene gas: once a year, a 60 kg cylinder had to be carried up 380 steps on someone’s back. The light rotated thanks to a clockwork weight, rewound daily by the lighthouse keeper. Today everything is automatic, but the bread oven in the garden recalls those times.