Mogadishu Secondo-Lido Lighthouse

Mogadishu Secondo-Lido Lighthouse stands as a symbol of Somalia’s rich maritime history and colonial-era infrastructure. Built during the Italian colonial period in the early 20th century, the lighthouse is a testament to the architectural and engineering efforts made to improve navigation along the Indian Ocean coast. Mogadishu Old City, Somalia’s capital, together with other towns such as Marka, Barawe, Malindi and Mombasa, flourished through commerce with the Arabic Gulf countries, Persia, India and China.

The lighthouse features a classic cylindrical tower design, constructed from reinforced concrete or stone, and is typically painted in marvelous white color to make it more visible to passing ships. Its distinctive shape and structure, towering above the surrounding landscape, are reflective of the modernist style of the time, combined with functional aspects designed specifically for maritime navigation.

The iconic Mogadishu Secondo-Lido Lighthouse was built in the early 1900s during the Italian colonial period. The architectural heritage masterpiece stands tall as a symbol of old city of Mogadishu which serves a beautiful tourist attraction and depicts the glory of the city. The lighthouse is built on a pier next to the harbor on the right and the most luxurious waterfront on the left. Hotels, banks, and large villas lined up the waterfront next to the lighthouse making Mogadishu the true jewel of Africa.

The lighthouse is surrounded by some of the historic buildings in the city from the 13th century onwards. The medieval mosque of Hajji Ali in which the famous Moroccan scholar and traveler Ibn Battuta had prayed in 1331. There are also many ancient residence buildings in the area which dates back to Omani dynasty in Mogadishu. But the Lighthouse is the most iconic landmark building in the city, simultaneously representing its glorious past, disastrous years of civil war, and the ruinous present.

Criterion (i): Mogadishu Secondo-Lido Lighthouse represents a masterpiece of human creative genius. It embodies advanced engineering and architectural knowledge, particularly for the early 20th century. Its cylindrical tower structure, designed to withstand the elements of the Indian Ocean, reflects an understanding of both the challenges posed by the harsh coastal environment and the need for durability. The choice of materials, like reinforced concrete or stone, demonstrates ingenuity in ensuring that the lighthouse could endure decades of exposure to saltwater, wind, and storms.

Criterion (ii): The historic site presents an evidence of the development of an architectural complex consisting of iconic tower and other structures were built with rocky and stony walls around it making it a unique manmade innovations at a period in history. Mogadishu Lighthouse and the surrounding palaces exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a period of time. Mogadishu Lighthouse served not just as a navigational aid but as a hub of technological progress in the region, contributing to the growth of maritime commerce along the East African coast.

Criterion (iii): The Lighthouse and the surrounding zone bears an exceptional testimony to a living civilization where the predicted an economic zone and a prosper Somalia which is open to the outside world; Mogadishu Lighthouse holds historical significance as a key infrastructure project during the Italian colonial rule, marking an era of increased trade and maritime activity in the region.

Criterion (iv): Lighthouses were cutting-edge technology during their time of construction, helping to facilitate safe passage for ships, reducing the risks of accidents, and encouraging trade and exploration. The historic Mogadishu Lighthouse is a unique architecture and the surrounding structures are outstanding testimony to the social and economic structure of the inhabitants of old city of Mogadishu known as (Hamar) around the 13th century AD. Secondo Lido Lighthouse symbolizes the only port in Mogadishu and an economic hub and a trading center even before European colony in the 18th Century. The tower structure also overlooks the Italian governor’s palace in Mogadishu. Architecturally, the lighthouse was built with both utility and durability in mind, designed to withstand the harsh coastal environment while serving its primary purpose of guiding vessels safely through the waters of the Indian Ocean.

Authenticity: Mogadishu Secondo Lido Lighthouse represents a significant architectural heritage, showcasing the traditional construction techniques and cultural values of its time. The materials, design, and construction methods reflect the authentic craftsmanship of its era, with the use of locally sourced stone and mortar indicative of regional architectural traditions. The architectural structure is still a valuable masterpiece of art. The original form and style of the lighthouse remain largely intact, and the features of the building, including its arched windows, solid walls, and layered construction, embody its intended purpose and significance. The surroundings building and archeological sites are also important part of the site’s boundaries. It shows an interactive social inclusion of old City of Mogadishu which hosts heritage properties and attributes from different origins including Oman, Europe and Asia.

integrity: The structural integrity of Mogadishu Lighthouse, while showing signs of aging and weathering, remains largely preserved. Despite partial collapse of the structure, the building retains its original location, design, materials, and workmanship, ensuring its historical and cultural context remains undisturbed. Its enduring presence amid modern development underscores its value as a protected heritage site and its resilience as a cultural symbol.

The Preservation and restoration efforts aiming the restoration of partially collapsed lighthouse respect its original materials and design to ensure the integrity of the structure, and its historical significance remain uncompromised.