La Pietra Lighthouse

The Pietra lighthouse was built in 1857 during the reign of Napoleon III, in the Second Empire, following the boom in maritime transport between the mainland and Corsica. It forms part of the second programme to secure and mark the Mediterranean coastline, alongside the lighthouses at Ajaccio, La Madonetta, Le Dragon in Bastia and Les Lavezzi.

Built to the plans of the engineer and architect Léonce Reynaud, it consists of a square tower, centred on a square base, constructed of smooth white masonry, and a green lantern. A small house for the lighthouse keeper is attached to the building.

In November 2024, following two years of work carried out by the Conservatoire du Littoral on the Îles de la Pietra site, the L’Isula – L’Ile-Rousse lighthouse reopened its doors. Although it continues to ensure maritime safety under the auspices of the Services des Phares et Balises, the Pietra lighthouse now houses an exhibition dedicated to the secrets and history of the site.

On rare occasions, such as during the guided tours organised for European Heritage Days in September, visitors can explore the exhibition on the Îles de la Pietra, presented in both Corsican and French.

The various stages of the tour trace the site’s ‘small history’ within the ‘big history’, from its construction to the present day. Visitors can also learn about the site’s natural evolution, the flora and fauna found there, and the impact of human settlement over time.