Northern Defences: A Fortress Carved in Stone
Discover Gibraltar's Northern Defences: A historic military complex with tunnels, gun positions, and breathtaking views.
Explore the Northern Defences of Gibraltar, a network of military fortifications carved into the Rock's northern face. These defenses, dating back to the 18th century and expanded during WWII, offer a glimpse into Gibraltar's strategic military past and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
A brief summary to Northern Defences
- 10 Moorish Castle Estate, Gibraltar, GX11 1AA, GI
- +35020045000
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven surfaces and exploring tunnels.
- Bring a torch or headlamp to explore the darker sections of the tunnels.
- Check the weather forecast before visiting, as the area is exposed to the elements.
- Allow at least 3-4 hours to fully explore the Northern Defences.
Getting There
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Walking
From Casemates Square, walk south up Main Street. After a few minutes, take the left fork uphill onto Engineer Lane. Turn left just before 'Piece of Cake' onto the road, then take the stairs attached to the building at the top. Follow the stairs to the Gibraltar escalator. The Northern Defences are a short walk from the top of the escalator. This route takes approximately 10 minutes.
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Public Transport
From the Gibraltar border, take bus number 1 to the last stop near the Moorish Castle entrance. From there, it is a short walk to the Northern Defences. A single bus fare is approximately £2.
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Car
From Rosia Bay, head east on the A302 road. After 1.2 kilometers, turn left onto Moorish Castle Estate road. Continue straight to reach the Northern Defences. Limited parking is available nearby. Be mindful of parking regulations.
Discover more about Northern Defences
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Northern Defences
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Tower House
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Casemates Square
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Castle Steps
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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