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South Bastion: A Historical Fortress

Explore South Bastion in Gibraltar: a historic fortress offering stunning views and a glimpse into the Rock's military past.

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South Bastion, or Baluarte de Nuestra Señora del Rosario, is a historical landmark in Gibraltar, originally built around 1540 by the Spanish and later improved by the British. It stands as a testament to the military history and architectural prowess of the region, offering visitors a glimpse into the past.

A brief summary to South Bastion

  • 110 Queensway Rd, Gibraltar, GX11 1AA, GI

Local tips

  • Visit early in the day to avoid crowds and make the most of your experience.
  • Bring your camera to capture the stunning views of the surrounding waters and the African coast.
  • Check for any special events or guided tours that may be taking place during your visit.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    South Bastion is located at 110 Queensway Rd. From Casemates Square, head south along Main Street, then turn left onto Queensway Road. Continue walking for approximately 10 minutes. The bastion will be on your left. This walk offers scenic views of the city and the bay.

  • Public Transport

    From the Gibraltar International Airport or the border with Spain, take a bus to the city center. Bus routes 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, and 9 operated by the Gibraltar Bus Company will take you to a stop near Casemates Square. From there, follow the walking directions to South Bastion. A single adult bus fare is £1.80.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available at the Gibraltar International Airport, the border with Spain, and in the city center at Casemates Square. A taxi from the airport to South Bastion will cost approximately £13.60, depending on the exact route and time of day. Taxis can be found at the airport terminal, both sides of the border crossing and from the main taxi rank in Grand Casemates Square.

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Discover more about South Bastion

South Bastion, also known as Baluarte de Nuestra Señora del Rosario, is a significant historical site in Gibraltar, showcasing the area's military history and architectural skills. Constructed around 1540 by the Spanish, it was initially named after the hermitage of Our Lady of the Rosary. The British later enhanced this bastion, which played a crucial role in protecting the western base of the Charles V Wall. Strategically positioned at the south end of the Line Wall Curtain, South Bastion defended the town from attacks from the Bay of Gibraltar. Its design included casemated gun positions that enfiladed the ditch across the Gate of Africa, now known as the Southport Gate. The bastion's southern face was strengthened in 1757 by Lord Tyrawley, reflecting its continued importance. Throughout its history, South Bastion has undergone several transformations. In 1870, it was reconstructed to accommodate three 10-inch RML guns within iron-shielded casemates. Today, visitors can explore the bastion's historic corridors, imagine the soldiers who once guarded this vital point, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding waters and the African coast. The site also houses the Gibraltar College and features a statue of Horatio Nelson, commemorating his victory and death at the Battle of Trafalgar.

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