Grand Casemates Square Travel Guide

Grand Casemates Square, located at the northern end of Main Street, is one of the two main squares in Gibraltar's city center. Colloquially known as Casemates Square, its history stretches back to Gibraltar's Moorish period, when the area was first fortified. The square got its name from the British-built Grand Casemates, a bombproof barracks completed in 1817.Originally a beach, the square witnessed the landing of Moroccan settlers in 1160. Over the centuries, it evolved from a Spanish shipyard to a leveled esplanade used by the British for military parades and, grimly, public executions, the last of which occurred in 1864. Archaeological digs in the 1990s unearthed foundations of a 14th-century galley house, remnants of which are still visible.In the 1990s, a refurbishment transformed a car park into the vibrant commercial center it is today. Grand Casemates Square is now a social hotspot with retail outlets, historical monuments, and eateries. Visitors can explore shops, enjoy diverse cuisines, and experience the lively atmosphere. The square also hosts cultural events, live concerts, and National Day celebrations. Key attractions include the Gibraltar Defence Force Soldier statue, the Koehler depression gun carriage, and duty-free shopping.