Lighthouse of Gythio

The lighthouse is located 500 meters from the port of Gythion, on the island of Kranai. Surrounding it, but not everywhere, there is a 1.5 meter high stone wall fence. The 22-meter-high octagonal white marble tower was built in 1873. It is made of Cape Tainaro marble, and old residents say it was once famous throughout the Eastern Mediterranean. It is a historical preserved monument because of its characteristic morphological features. The building is distinguished for its symmetry of facades, the harmony of proportions and building details. The tower has a stone body and comprises a spiral staircase with 93 wedge-shaped marble steps. It is the first of the three lighthouses of Mani and was built at a time when Gythio was at its peak (1860-1900).

In 1873, the lighthouse was hit by a cannonball during World War II and remained off for many years. It reopened in 1949. Until 2002 it operated with acetylene. For some time afterwards, it was automated with solar energy, while in 2004, it was electrified.