Devil's Gap Battery Travel Guide

Devil's Gap Battery, known as Punta del Diablo by the Spanish, is a coastal artillery battery that provides a window into Gibraltar's storied military past. Located on the escarpment above the city, within the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, it stands 130 meters (430 ft) above sea level, offering commanding views across the Bay of Gibraltar.Originally built in the late 19th century as part of the British fortifications, the battery played a crucial role in safeguarding the territory. Throughout its history, Devil's Gap Battery has been upgraded with various armaments. During the Great Siege of Gibraltar (1779-1783), it mounted at least one mortar. In 1881, two RML 9-inch 12-ton guns were installed, but later removed in 1900. By 1902, two BL 6-inch Mk VII naval guns were mounted, enhancing its capabilities to engage targets both on land and in the bay. In August 1917, one of these guns famously sank a German submarine traveling on the surface near Algeciras, marking the only action seen by Gibraltar's coastal defenses during World War I. The guns were also manned during the Spanish Civil War in 1936.Today, visitors can explore the well-preserved gun emplacements, underground magazines, and shell hoists, offering a tangible connection to the past. The site is maintained by volunteers on behalf of the Gibraltar Heritage Trust.