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Great Siege Tunnels: A Testament to Military Ingenuity

Explore Gibraltar's Great Siege Tunnels: a historic marvel of military engineering and unwavering resilience.

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The Great Siege Tunnels in Gibraltar are a network of underground passages carved out of solid limestone by the British during the Great Siege of Gibraltar in the late 18th century. These tunnels, also known as the Upper Galleries, represent a remarkable feat of military engineering and offer visitors a glimpse into Gibraltar's strategic past.

A brief summary to Great Siege Tunnels

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as exploring the tunnels involves walking on uneven surfaces and climbing some steep sections.
  • Consider visiting during off-peak hours (early morning or late afternoon) to avoid crowds.
  • Purchase a Nature Reserve ticket for access to the Great Siege Tunnels and other attractions within the Upper Rock.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the top station of the Gibraltar Cable Car, walk north along Signal Station Road and down to the Military Heritage Centre. Turn sharp right and ascend the cul-de-sac road leading to the Great Siege Tunnels entrance. The walk takes approximately 15-20 minutes along a well-maintained path. Be prepared for a bit of a workout due to the topography.

  • Public Transport

    Take the Citibus Route 1 from the marketplace or any connecting bus stops in town. The nearest bus stop to the Great Siege Tunnels is Willi's Road Terminus, the final stop in the upper town. From there, walk uphill to the tunnels. A Hopper Ticket provides unlimited travel on all Gibraltar bus routes for a full day. A single fare costs approximately £2.20.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Gibraltar. A taxi from the Gibraltar Airport to the Great Siege Tunnels takes approximately 15 minutes. The cost is approximately £20-£25.

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Discover more about Great Siege Tunnels

The Great Siege Tunnels stand as a powerful reminder of the ingenuity and resilience displayed during the Great Siege of Gibraltar (1779-1783). Faced with a seemingly insurmountable challenge, the British garrison devised a plan to construct a network of tunnels within the Rock of Gibraltar to reach a blind spot on the north-eastern side. Sergeant-Major Henry Ince of the Military Artificers spearheaded the project, which commenced in May 1782. Working with rudimentary tools such as sledgehammers, crowbars, and gunpowder, the soldiers and local workers painstakingly carved through the dense limestone. The conditions were arduous, with suffocating heat, smoke, and the constant threat of collapse or explosion. As the tunneling progressed, ventilation became a critical issue, leading the engineers to create gun ports along the cliff face. These openings not only improved airflow but also provided strategic positions for cannons to target the enemy lines. By the end of the Great Siege in February 1783, the tunnels stretched for hundreds of feet, playing a crucial role in the defense of Gibraltar. In the centuries that followed, the tunnel system was expanded, particularly during the Napoleonic Wars, the Crimean War, and both World Wars. Today, the Great Siege Tunnels stand as a testament to the unwavering determination and engineering prowess of those who defended Gibraltar. Visitors can explore the chambers and passageways, witnessing firsthand the historical cannons and multimedia displays that bring the past to life.

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