Puerto Plata.- The Puerto Plata Iron Lighthouse, the oldest in the Dominican Republic, is facing imminent risk of extinction due to severe deterioration and a lack of decisive action for its preservation. Built 145 years ago by Robert Hills and Brothers at the request of provisional President Gregorio Luperón, the lighthouse was constructed under the supervision of American engineer Allan Howard Grossverg with iron columns imported from England. Its purpose was to guide ships arriving at Puerto Plata on the Atlantic coast.
The lighthouse, which first lit up on September 9, 1879, stands 24 meters tall (137 ft) and rises about 50 meters above sea level. It features classical Doric-Roman columns and a solid masonry base. Although it underwent restoration in 2000 during Hipólito MejÃa DomÃnguez’s presidency, it remains in a precarious state. The World Monuments Fund included it on their 2002 list of the 100 monuments in danger of extinction.
Recent calls for its urgent restoration have been voiced by journalist and community leader Dennis Lantigua, who has urged local authorities and the community to collaborate on preserving this historic landmark. The lighthouse overlooks the Puerto Plata Amphitheatre, which opened in 2016.
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