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Nelson's Anchorage: A Historic Naval Site

Explore Nelson's Anchorage in Gibraltar: a historic site featuring the 100-Ton Gun and stunning views of Rosia Bay.

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Nelson's Anchorage marks the spot where HMS Victory was towed after the Battle of Trafalgar, and where Admiral Nelson's body was purportedly brought ashore. Today, the site features the impressive 100-Ton Gun, one of only two remaining in the world, commemorating Gibraltar's strategic naval importance.

A brief summary to Nelson's Anchorage

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning for the best light for photography and fewer crowds.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the area is best explored on foot.
  • Check local events or festivals that may be happening nearby for an enhanced experience.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Casemates Square, head towards Main Street and continue south. Nelson's Anchorage will be on your left, just before the end of Main Street. The walk is approximately 1.5 miles and should take around 30 minutes. There are no costs associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    Take bus route 3 from the city center towards Europa Point. Alight near the cable car station and follow the walking path towards Nelson's Anchorage. A single bus fare is approximately £2.20. From the bus stop, it is approximately a 20-minute walk.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Gibraltar. A taxi from the Gibraltar International Airport to Nelson's Anchorage will cost approximately £15-£20. The journey is about 2.5 miles and takes around 10 minutes, depending on traffic.

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Discover more about Nelson's Anchorage

Nelson's Anchorage, located at Rosia Bay, holds a significant place in naval history as the site where HMS Victory was brought for repairs following the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Legend has it that Admiral Lord Nelson's body was brought ashore here, preserved in a barrel of alcohol, before being transported back to England for burial. The focal point of the Anchorage is the 100-Ton Gun, a massive Victorian-era weapon installed in the late 19th century. Named after Baron Napier of Magdala, the battery was constructed between 1878 and 1884 to protect the entrances to both the main commercial harbor and the Royal Naval Dockyard in Rosia Bay. The gun, manufactured by Sir W.C. Armstrong in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, was nicknamed “The Rockbuster”. It was one of four such guns made, with two being commissioned for Gibraltar and two for Malta. Originally, the 100-ton gun could fire a round every four minutes, but modifications reduced this time to two and a half minutes. During practice firing in 1898, the gun split and was replaced by one from Victoria Battery. By 1906, the gun was obsolete, but it remains in position to this day. Visitors to Nelson's Anchorage can explore the historic site, take leisurely walks along the waterfront, and enjoy panoramic views. Informational signs and plaques detail the naval battles and strategic importance of Gibraltar. The site is conveniently located near other attractions, making it an excellent starting point for exploring Gibraltar's heritage.

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