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Parson's Lodge Battery: A Coastal Fortress with Centuries of History

Explore Gibraltar's military past at Parson's Lodge Battery, a historic fortress with stunning coastal views and a rich natural history.

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Parson's Lodge Battery is a historic coastal battery in Gibraltar, evolving from a simple 18th-century gun emplacement to a Victorian-era fortress. It offers visitors a glimpse into Gibraltar's strategic military past with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.

A brief summary to Parson's Lodge Battery

Local tips

  • Visit in the morning for a quieter experience and better lighting for photography.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the terrain can be uneven.
  • Check the Gibraltar Museum's website for tour schedules and special events.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Rosia Bay, walk along Rosia Road towards Camp Bay. Turn left onto 7th Rosia Battery Road. Parson's Lodge Battery will be on your left. The walk is approximately 10 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    Take bus route 4 from the city center to Rosia Road. From the bus stop, walk along Rosia Road and turn left onto 7th Rosia Battery Road. The battery will be on your left. Bus fare is approximately £2.00.

  • Car

    From the city center, follow signs for Rosia Bay. Continue along Rosia Road and turn left onto 7th Rosia Battery Road. Limited parking is available nearby. Be mindful of parking regulations. Parking fees may apply.

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Discover more about Parson's Lodge Battery

Parson's Lodge Battery, perched on a rocky promontory between Rosia Bay and Camp Bay, is a testament to Gibraltar's enduring military significance. Originally known as the 9th Rosia Battery, its name changed in 1761, possibly referencing a nearby church or a book in the Garrison Library. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, the battery underwent continuous upgrades. By the 1870s, it boasted three 10-inch rifled muzzle-loading guns, each weighing 18 tons. These powerful guns, housed in heavily armored casemates, could hurl projectiles over two and a half miles. The battery's design also incorporated innovative features like teak and armor plate shields for the guns. Parson's Lodge played a crucial role in both World Wars, equipped with anti-aircraft and anti-tank guns. Abandoned by the military in the 1950s, the Gibraltar Heritage Trust extensively restored the battery in 1994. Today, it functions as a field center for the Gibraltar Museum, offering guided tours and educational programs. Visitors can explore the well-preserved fortifications, gun emplacements, and underground tunnels, gaining insight into the lives of the soldiers stationed here. Beyond its military history, Parson's Lodge is located on a site of natural significance. The promontory includes the Rosia Breccia fossil site and an Olive Maquis habitat, attracting migratory birds. The site is part of the Gibraltar National Park and is being developed into a natural history museum.

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