The Lighthouse of Gytheio, built in 1873 on the islet of Kranai, is one of the most emblematic landmarks of Laconia. It combines history, architecture, and myth, as it is linked to the legend of Paris and Helen of Troy.
The islet of Kranai, at the edge of Gytheio’s harbor, was according to mythology the romantic refuge of Paris and Helen of Troy after the abduction and before their departure for Troy. It is connected to the mainland by a breakwater, and the view of the amphitheatrically built town with its numerous neoclassical houses is panoramic.
On this side of the island stands the Tzannetakis Tower, which houses the Museum of Mani. However, if the visitor decides to cross the pine forest and reach the other corner of Kranai, they will encounter a revelation. One of the old lighthouses, among the few preserved, stands there since 1873, conveying the atmosphere of bygone eras. Tall, stone-built, surrounded by auxiliary buildings and fig trees, it rises against the blue sea. The best time for a visitor’s walk to the lighthouse is at dawn, when the sun rises from the sea, unfolding the richest color palette it possesses.
This lighthouse was constructed in 1873. The height of its white octagonal tower is 23 meters, and its focal height is 78 meters. It initially operated with oil, and its light beam reached 15 nautical miles. It is located on the eastern side of Gytheio on the islet of Kranai.
The building is distinguished for the symmetry of its facades, the harmony of its proportions, the exceptionally high-quality marble masonry, the architectural details, and especially its brilliant, tall, octagonal tower. The tower has a stone body and includes a spiral staircase with 93 wedge-shaped marble steps. At the top, a two-story metal cage with the lantern was placed. During World War II, the lighthouse remained unlit until 1945 when the Hellenic Navy decided to repair it as part of the reorganization of the Greek lighthouse network.
In 1949, it began operating with acetylene and a beam range of 9 nautical miles. Since 1989, permission was granted to establish the Naval Museum of Mani on the ground floor of the lighthouse and to create recreational spaces in the surrounding area and the adjacent auxiliary building. The lighthouse tower was designated to remain in use by the Hellenic Navy Hydrographic Service.
