Northern Defences: Gibraltar's Historic Fortress
Discover Gibraltar's Northern Defences: A historic military site with tunnels, fortifications, and stunning views.
Explore the Northern Defences, a network of military fortifications carved into the northern face of the Rock of Gibraltar. These defenses, dating back to the 18th century and expanded during World War II, offer a glimpse into Gibraltar's strategic military past and provide 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 as the terrain is uneven and involves walking on steps and unpaved paths.
- Bring a torch or headlamp to explore the tunnels and darker areas within the Northern Defences.
- Check for guided tours offered by the Gibraltar Heritage Trust for in-depth historical insights.
- Visit early in the morning or on weekdays to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
- Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Moorish Castle and other Upper Rock attractions.
Getting There
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Walking
From Casemates Square, head south up Main Street. After a few minutes, turn left onto Engineer Lane. Continue uphill, then turn left again just before 'Piece of Cake'. Take the stairs up and follow them around the building to the Gibraltar escalator. At the top, continue towards the Moorish Castle. Pass the castle and continue a short distance to the Northern Defences entrance at 10 Moorish Castle Estate. This walk takes approximately 10-15 minutes for a relatively fit person.
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Public Transport
From the Gibraltar International Airport or the city center, take bus number 2 or 3 towards the city center. Get off at the bus stop nearest to the Moorish Castle. From there, walk uphill for about 10 minutes towards the Moorish Castle Estate. Follow the signs to the Northern Defences, located at 10 Moorish Castle Estate. The bus fare is approximately £2.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available at the airport, the border, and in town at Casemates Square. Provide the driver with the address '10 Moorish Castle Estate, Gibraltar GX11 1AA'. The ride from the airport or town center will take approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated taxi fare is £13.6, but can vary.
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