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O'Hara's Battery: Gibraltar's Highest Point

Explore Gibraltar's military history at O'Hara's Battery, the Rock's highest point, offering panoramic views and a glimpse into the past.

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O'Hara's Battery, perched at the highest point of the Rock of Gibraltar, offers visitors a unique blend of military history and stunning panoramic views. Named after Governor Charles O'Hara, this former artillery battery provides a glimpse into Gibraltar's strategic importance throughout history.

A brief summary to O'Hara's Battery

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the walk to the battery involves a steep ascent.
  • Bring a camera to capture the stunning panoramic views from the highest point of the Rock.
  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for a more tranquil experience and better lighting for photos.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Gibraltar Cable Car top station, walk south towards St. Michael's Cave. About halfway down, you'll find a fork in the road leading to O'Hara's Battery. The walk is about 10 minutes. Alternatively, for a more challenging route, take the Mediterranean Steps from the bottom of the Rock, which lead directly to O'Hara's Battery. Be prepared for a steep, two-hour climb.

  • Public Transport

    Take a bus to the Cable Car base station from the town center. From Market Place, Routes 5 and 10 will take you into town, where you can connect to other routes. Routes 4 and 9 stop at Alameda House, right outside the Cable Car base station. Routes 2, 3, and 7 will take you to Elliott's Way, a short walk from the Cable Car. A single bus ticket costs approximately £2.20.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Gibraltar. A taxi from the town center to the Cable Car base station will cost approximately £5-£7. From the Cable Car top station, it's a 10-minute walk to O'Hara's Battery.

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Discover more about O'Hara's Battery

O'Hara's Battery, situated at the summit of the Rock of Gibraltar, stands as a testament to the territory's military past and strategic significance. Named after General Charles O'Hara, Governor of Gibraltar in the late 18th century, the battery sits at nearly 1,400 feet (426 meters) above sea level, offering unparalleled views of the Mediterranean Sea, the Strait of Gibraltar, and the North African coastline. Originally the site of a watchtower known as O'Hara's Folly, the battery was constructed in 1890 as part of Gibraltar's coastal defense system. It housed large artillery guns capable of striking targets up to 16 miles away. The battery played a crucial role in Gibraltar's defense during both World War I and World War II. Although Gibraltar was never directly attacked, the battery was on high alert, ready to engage enemy ships, submarines, or aircraft. The gun was last fired in 1976 during a training exercise. Today, O'Hara's Battery has been meticulously restored and opened to the public in 2010. Visitors can explore the gun emplacements, observation points, and underground chambers, gaining insights into the battery's construction, armament, and its role in Gibraltar's defense strategy. The site provides a fascinating glimpse into Gibraltar's military heritage and the challenges faced by military engineers in protecting this strategically important territory.

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