The Ponta dos Rosais Lighthouse (Farol da Ponta dos Rosais) is a beacon/lighthouse located along the 200m cliffs of Ponta dos Rosais near Rosais in the extreme northwest of the island of São Jorge, in the Archipelago of the Azores, Portugal. It includes the main 200 m structure/tower and several living quarters and auxiliary buildings constructed for the maintenance and operation of the lighthouse, currently abandoned and in ruins. This includes structures such as a motor-pool, a communal hearth and a series of concrete lavoirs for washing, as well as the larger block devoted to administration and private residences.
Construction began on the building and tower on May 1, 1958, and was completed/inaugurated in 1964. At the time of its construction, it was the most advanced lighthouse in the Portuguese network. It was also a self-sufficient complex, with residences for several families, an independent water supply and a power-source to operate independently from the rest of the parish.
Shortly after the lighthouse was completed, it was abandoned during the 1964 Rosais Earthquake, when a seismic event and underwater eruption hit the Ponta dos Rosais, causing damage to 900 homes and 400 buildings. It caused enough panic to warrant an evacuation to the island of Terceira and temporary evacuation of the lighthouse families. The lighthouse was finally abandoned after the January 1, 1980 Earthquake, whose Level 7 seismic event caused destruction to homes on Terceira, Graciosa, Faial and São Jorge.
The lighthouse was automated, and reopened on July 5, 1982 being powered by a single solar panel.
