Faro de Punta Madonna

Faro di Punta Madonna is a small lighthouse standing on a rocky headland at the entrance to the harbour of Ponza, the main town of the Pontine Islands in the Lazio region of Italy. It marks one of the visual landmarks of the port approach, visible from the deck of a ferry or hydrofoil coming in from Formia, Anzio, or Terracina.

How do you get there?

Punta Madonna is reached on foot, starting from the seafront promenade (lungomare) in Ponza's harbour. The walk follows the shoreline, passing the colourful houses of the port town and fishing boats moored along the quay. No special preparation is needed, and the route is manageable for most visitors, including those spending only a single day on the island.

Because the lighthouse sits at the tip of the headland enclosing the harbour, it makes a natural stop right after stepping off the ferry — a good spot to take in the whole port from a different angle than the quay itself offers.

What will you see there?

The lighthouse is a white, cylindrical tower roughly 8 metres tall, topped with a dome-shaped lantern room surrounded by a gallery. The structure stands at an elevation of about 61 metres above sea level, which gives a wide view over the harbour entrance, the surrounding cliffs, and the open sea toward the island of Palmarola.

This is a quieter, more contemplative stop than a fully developed tourist attraction — there is no ticket booth or organised visitor entrance. The appeal of Punta Madonna lies in the combination of simple lighthouse architecture with the open, rocky landscape typical of the southern Tyrrhenian coast.

What's the history behind it?

The lighthouse was built in 1858 and has served ever since as a navigational aid for ships approaching the port of Ponza at night. Together with the island's second lighthouse, it formed a system of lights guiding vessels safely past the rocks and shallows that characterise the coastline of the Pontine Islands.

When is the best time to visit?

The best time to visit Punta Madonna is in the afternoon or early evening, when the light hitting the white tower and the surrounding rocks creates the strongest contrast for photos. In summer, it's worth avoiding midday, since the headland is fully exposed with no natural shade.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the Punta Madonna lighthouse built? It was built in 1858 and has stood on the headland at the entrance to Ponza's harbour ever since.

How tall is the lighthouse? The tower is about 8 metres tall and stands on a rise reaching roughly 61 metres above sea level.

What is the lighthouse used for? Its main function is navigation — guiding ships and ferries safely into the port of Ponza after dark.

Is there more than one lighthouse on Ponza? Yes. The island's second lighthouse stands at Punta della Guardia, on the southern side of Ponza — a separate structure from Punta Madonna.