Ancient mariners were often guided home by bonfires built on hilltops, which were later elevated and evolved into lighthouses. These gradually grew taller and stronger and moved closer to the sea. Most lighthouses currently still standing are marvels of practical and resilient architecture and engineering, brushing off the worst that the seas have to offer. While their guiding beacons may soon cease to sweep across the coastal night sky, we can still appreciate how beautiful and epic these wonderful buildings look.

Cast-Iron Lighthouse, Whiteford, UK

Phare du Petit Minou, Brest, France

Frozen St. Joseph North Pier Lighthouse, Michigan, USA

Image credit: Thomas Zakowski

Porto, Portugal

Victoria Beach Lighthouse (Built In 1926), California, USA

Viavelez, Asturias, Spain

Schleswig-Holstein, Germany

Lighthouse Of Talacre, Wales, UK

Andros Island, Greece

San Esteban De Pravia, Spain

Holyhead, Anglesey, Wales

Lighthouse in Beagle Channel, Argentina/Chile

Lighthouse Of Fastnet Rock, Ireland

The Lange Nelle Lighthouse, Ostend, Belgium

Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, USA

Santander, Cantabria, Spain

Stångholmen in Lysekil, Sweden

St Mary’s Lighthouse, Bait Island, UK

Kermorvan Lighthouse, Bretagne, France

Newhaven Breakwater Lighthouse, East Sussex, England

Portland Head Light, Maine, USA

Mouro Island Lighthouse (Built In 1860), Spain

Brest, France

Mouro Island Lighthouse (Built In 1860), Spain

Molnes Lighthouse, Norway

Old Scituate Lighthouse (Built In 1810), Massachusetts, USA

Porto, Portugal

Lighthouse And Aurora-Filled Sky, Iceland