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Harding's Battery: A Window into Gibraltar's Military Past

Explore a restored 19th-century artillery battery at Europa Point, offering a glimpse into Gibraltar's military history and stunning panoramic views.

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Harding's Battery, also known as Harding's Fort, is a restored artillery battery at Europa Point in Gibraltar. Named after Sir George Harding, it offers a glimpse into the territory's military history and provides stunning views of the Strait of Gibraltar and the African coast.

A brief summary to Harding's Battery

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the terrain can be uneven.
  • Bring your camera to capture the spectacular views of the Mediterranean and the African coast.
  • Check the weather forecast before your visit, as it can get windy at the top.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From the city center, take bus routes 2, 10, N8 S, or N8 E towards Europa Point. Get off at the 'Europa Rd - Elliot's Battery' bus stop, which is a 6-minute walk to Harding's Battery. From the 'Punta Europa' bus stop, it is a short 5-10 minute walk to Harding's Battery. A single bus fare costs approximately £2.20.

  • Walking

    From the Ibrahim-Al-Ibrahim Mosque at Europa Point, Harding's Battery is a short walk away. Head west, keeping the coastline on your right. The path is well-marked and offers scenic views. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes. There are no costs involved.

  • Taxi

    A taxi from the Gibraltar International Airport to Harding's Battery takes about 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated fare is between £15 and £20. There are no tolls or special access fees.

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Discover more about Harding's Battery

Harding's Battery, perched at Europa Point, is a testament to Gibraltar's strategic military importance. Constructed in 1859 on the site of the 7th Europa Battery, it was named in honor of Sir George Harding, the Chief Engineer of Gibraltar in 1844. Originally armed with two 24-pounder cannons, these were upgraded to 32-pounders in 1863. In 1868, following a survey by Colonel William Jervois, the battery was modified to accommodate heavy Rifle Muzzle Loading (RML) guns. Although a 9-inch RML on a Moncrieff disappearing mounting was initially planned, it was never installed. Instead, in 1877, reconstruction began for a 12.5-inch RML on a barbette mounting, completed in 1878. Today, visitors can explore the restored battery and its features, including the ammunition magazine beneath the gun emplacement, now a visitor center. The 12.5-inch RML gun on display was originally used at Alexandra's Battery and was installed at Harding's Battery in 2013. The site was buried for many years, but it regained its original appearance after the redevelopment of the Europa Point area, which began in 2010. Walking around the site, you can see the ironwork that acted as a pivot for the gun's platform. The underground chamber, once the ammunition magazine, now provides information to visitors. Two derricks were used to lift shells and cartridges to the gun. Harding's Battery provides a unique opportunity to delve into Gibraltar's military past while enjoying panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the African coastline.

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