Baron Bliss Lighthouse

About this place

Baron Bliss Lighthouse is a small white and red tower at the tip of Fort George in Belize City, overlooking the harbour entrance. It was built with funds from the estate of Baron Bliss, the country's greatest benefactor, and his granite tomb lies beside it near the sea, making it both a memorial and a marker for ships. Edward Bliss was born in England in 1869, was paralysed in 1911 and later lived on his yacht. He reached Belize City harbour on 14 January 1926 and took to the fishing and coastline. On learning he was terminally ill he signed a new will on 17 February, leaving most of his fortune to the people of the colony, and he died on his yacht on 9 March 1926 without ever landing on the mainland. The white tower with its red base rises from a low pier, with a white iron railing around the tomb and the sea on almost three sides. On the nearby waterfront, big coloured letters spell out Belize, popular for pictures. Sunset makes the view better still, as the water and clouds change colour behind the tower. It is under a kilometre in a straight line from the Museum of Belize, so combine both on a short daytime walk. Read current travel advice before visiting Belize City, keep to well known areas, avoid walking at night and use a licensed taxi. You cannot climb the tower. Take care with waves at the pier on stormy days.