Punta de Estaca de Bares

Punta de Estaca de Bares is the northernmost point of mainland Spain, at a latitude of 43º 47' 38" North. It is located in Galicia. Conventionally, it marks the southwestern end of the Bay of Biscay, in the North Atlantic ocean.

There is a lighthouse there that was constructed in 1850 and still works to this day, under the administration of the Captain of the Port of Ferrol, Spain.

There is also a bird sanctuary, ruins of molinas (grain mills) and abandoned military bases located here.

There are currently two abandoned military sites there. One was operated by the US Coast Guard since the early 1960's as a LORAN (Long Range Aid to Navigation) Station. The station at Estaca de Bares operated jointly with stations operated by the British Government in East Blockhouse, Wales and, until 1973, the French Government in Pospoder, France. In 1978, after the Coast Guard ended the LORAN operations, the US Air Force assumed control of the base. The Air Force operated a communications site until 1991, and it now sits in ruins. While the site was open, many Americans met and married local citizens.

There are also a series of waterways that used to power mills for the local citizens. These mills are located between the abandonded military base and the bird sanctuary.

The other site used to be an old signaling station used by the Spanish Navy. It has been converted into a hotel/restaurant.

During World War II a German submarine was sunk off the coast there. One of the German officers who survived the sinking returned every year thereafter to mark the anniversary. After his death he had his ashes scattered over Estaca de Bares.

External links

*http://www.estaca.net