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A pillar light is an atmospheric optical phenomenon in which a vertical beam of light appears to extend above and/or below a light source.
The effect is created by the reflection of light from small ice crystals that are suspended in the atmosphere or that comprise high-altitude clouds (for example, cirrostratus or cirrus clouds). If the light comes from the sun (usually when it is near or even below the horizon), the phenomenon is called a solar pillar.
In this case, we can observe the pillar of light reflected on the waters of the Mediterranean next to the Pont del Petroli in Badalona. This structure today is more of a tourist attraction, but, at the end of the 19th century, it had vital importance when the Suari i Canals company decided to build a bridge to unload oil from ships.
The next bridge was built by the Campsa company and was used until 1990 when it became the main diving area in Badalona.
After the years and to avoid its dismantling, in 2003 it became property of the Badalona City Council. The storm that hit the coast in 2020 destroyed part of the bridge. And, since then, the walkway that goes into the sea has remained closed to the public.
