Farol da Mama

Farol da Mama is a lighthouse in Carnaxide, set on a hilltop in the Serra de Carnaxide within the municipality of Oeiras, in the Lisbon area. It stands well away from the coast, yet it is part of the navigation system for the Port of Lisbon.

Where is Farol da Mama?

The lighthouse crowns a rounded hill known as Mama Sul, next to a geodetic survey marker. The hill sits about 4 km inland, northwest of the Belém district, at roughly 38.7276 N, 9.2273 W. The site lies around 145 m above sea level, which is why the light carries so far.

Why is a lighthouse standing inland?

This is not an ordinary coastal light. Together with the Esteiro and Gibalta lighthouses, it forms a set of marks that fix the line for entering the Port of Lisbon from the south. A pilot steers until the lights line up one behind another, which keeps the vessel on the correct channel. For that job, high ground above the city works better than a quayside.

Locals call the tower "foguete de Carnaxide", the Carnaxide rocket, after its slender, upright profile.

What is its history?

The earliest known mention of the site being used for navigation dates from 1607. The current lighthouse is often dated to 1857, although sources differ on this.

For a long time the tower worked as a daytime mark with no light of its own. That changed in 1995, when it was automated and fitted with a directional light with a focal height of 82 m. In 2013 the lighthouse was refurbished at the request of Portugal's lighthouse authority, the Direção de Faróis, with the company Lindley taking part in the works.

What will you see?

The tower rises above the low buildings of Carnaxide, and higher spots on the hill open views over the Lisbon area and towards the Tagus estuary. Beside it stands the survey marker, part of the national mapping network. It suits lighthouse enthusiasts, geocachers and anyone curious about navigation more than visitors expecting developed facilities.

How do you get there?

Carnaxide lies on the western edge of Lisbon, a short drive from central Oeiras and from Belém. The simplest approach is by car or taxi to the Serra de Carnaxide area, then on foot up the hill. Wear sturdy shoes, as the ground is uneven.

When is the best time to visit?

Choose a clear part of the day with good visibility, such as the morning or the hours before sunset, when the outline of Lisbon and the river is easiest to pick out.

Frequently asked questions

Is Farol da Mama on the sea? No. It stands about 4 km inland, on a hill in the Serra de Carnaxide.

What is the lighthouse for? With the Esteiro and Gibalta lighthouses it marks the line for entering the Port of Lisbon from the south.

Why is it called "foguete de Carnaxide"? Locals gave it the name because the tower's shape resembles a rocket.

When was it automated? In 1995, when a directional light with a focal height of 82 m was installed.