Greenpoint Lighthouse

The Greenpoint Lighthouse is the oldest operational lighthouse in South Africa and was first lit on 12 April 1824.  When it was first lit, its light was only visible for 11km.  

Much to the dismay of the locals, a foghorn was also installed that sounded every 30 seconds with a three-second blast, giving it the nickname ‘Moaning Minnie.’  Thankfully, this was replaced with an electric horn in 1986 that still sounds to this day, but luckily with significantly less noise.  

The lighthouse was designed by the German architect Herman Shutte.  Building commenced in 1821 and was completed in 1823. In 1865 the building was extended to its present height.  Although the lighthouse has undergone many renovations, it is still very much in its original structure.

Many locals mistakenly refer to the Green Point lighthouse as the Mouille Point lighthouse. There was indeed a Mouille Point lighthouse, built in 1842, but it was dismantled sometime in the 1920's.

The Green point lighthouse is a national heritage site and is open to the public to view, but you must contact Transnet to organise a viewing.

This lighthouse makes a lovely picture as well, and this 30 x 40cm canvas is a lovely one to paint.  Not too complex with its 19 colours.  Each box contains a stretched, printed and numbered canvas, paint, brushes and a page detailing the numbers for an extra reference.

Sources:

[https://www.cape-town-heritage.co.za]

[https://www.getaway.co.za]