The original stone tower was built in 1864. It is an active aid to navigation at sea and in aviation. The focal plane is 134 metres (433 ft) high, perched on a cliff, and emits four white flashes in a 20-second period, visible to a distance of 24 nautical miles (44 km). The tower itself is 30 metres (98 ft) high, with lantern and gallery, attached to the front of a two-story stone keeper's house. To this day, the lighthouse remains a beautiful structure of unpainted stone with a grey metallic lantern dome. The lighthouse is now automated, and a lighthouse keeper lived on the site until recently. Chart references: ARLHS SAR-018; Admiralty E1090; NGA 8432. French Charts 7332. The lighthouse is connected to the main town of Carloforte on the island of San Pietro by a well-paved road.