On 1 February 1758, the lighthouse was ordered constructed by regal charter. Cabo Carvoeiro is a prominent cape along the southern Portuguese coast, with a coastal beacon operating for four centuries from the promontory, first from the chapel of Nossa Senhora de Vitória. The first purpose-built structure was a tall lighthouse that started to operate in 1790, but identified as inadequate by an 1881 commission. In 1865, the lighthouse was described in this form: But, by 1886, it was completely remodelled, under the direction and project of Polycarpo Lima. This included the installation of a petrol lamp to illuminate the beacon. In 1923 the fixture was substituted for a giant fourth-order optical lens, and operated by clockwork mechanical system, resulting in a system of four red flashes, separated in 10 seconds intervals. The light was substituted in 1947 by gas lamp. Between 1947 and 1949, the Comissão Administrativa das Novas Instalações para a Marinha, later the Direcção de Faróis constructed the lighthouse keepers residences. By 1952, the beacon began to operate by electricity. The lighthouse required large modifications by 1981, in order to receive a new lens, as indicated by reports of the Comissão de Faróis e Balizas. The General Plan projected had a white third-order light that could illuminate a 315º range and support a range. A red beacon was substituted when the lighthouse along Cabo Mondego was not changed, maintaining a fixed white lamp, then groups of two clarions. By 1988, the lighthouse was automated, with the optics removed and its place replaced by a PRB46 rotating panel, that emitted three, red flashes, with 15 second interval and range. Its contemporary role is much less important, with the red beacon being used to guide ships on their approach to the nearby fishing port of Peniche.
Architecture
Building constructed to assist maritime navigation that included a permanent residence for the lighthouse keeper, the lighthouse is situated from the Peniche waterfront over a promontory. The high square tower is constructed with cornerstones and parapets painted in white, alongside a rectangular annex building. The tower with lantern and gallery rises from the base of a U-shaped one-story keeper's complex. The buildings are painted white with unpainted stone trim, while the lantern is painted red. The illumination system consists of a rotating optical lens over a pedestal, using a white light with range at overall height. There is also a fog horn sounding one 10 second blast every 35 seconds.
