Praia, March 19, 2025 (Lusa) - Cabo Verde's government on Wednesday classified as National Cultural Heritage the Dona Maria Pia lighthouse - the first to be built in the archipelago 144 years ago, in the capital, Praia, according to an order published in the state gazette.

"The D. Maria Pia lighthouse is classified in its entire dimension and special protection zone," reads the order published in the gazette.

The structure is one of the icons of the archipelago's capital, appearing on postage stamps. It was recently refurbished, but has been active since 1881, illuminating the sea at the entrance to Praia harbour.

"The cultural heritage of the Cape Verdean people has been inventoried, studied and protected through different safeguarding policies and projects," the government order explains.

The main objective, it adds, "is to promote the development and strengthening of their cultural identity" with the D. Maria Pia lighthouse serving as "inspiration for artists, poets, intellectuals, photographers, researchers and students."

At the same time, the move aims to be prelude to the creation of mechanisms "to guarantee its frequent maintenance, avoiding degradation, and to valorise and give cultural use to the building."

LFO/ARO // ARO.

Lusa