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Great Siege Tunnels: A Fortress Within the Rock
Explore Gibraltar's Great Siege Tunnels: a historic military marvel carved into the Rock, offering a glimpse into the past.
Delve into Gibraltar's military past at the Great Siege Tunnels, an impressive network of tunnels carved into the Rock of Gibraltar during the Great Siege of 1779-1783. Explore the tunnels, view historic cannons, and learn about the ingenuity and resilience of the British soldiers who defended Gibraltar.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Great Siege Tunnels
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Monday
9 am-6:15 pm
Tuesday
9 am-6:15 pm
Wednesday
9 am-6:15 pm
Thursday
9 am-6:15 pm
Friday
9 am-6:15 pm
Saturday
9 am-6:15 pm
Sunday
9 am-6:15 pm
Discover more about Great Siege Tunnels
The Great Siege Tunnels, also known as the Upper Galleries, are a testament to military engineering and the strategic importance of Gibraltar. Carved out of solid limestone during the Great Siege of Gibraltar in the late 18th century, these tunnels provided a crucial defensive stronghold for the British.In 1779, the Spanish and French forces attempted to recapture Gibraltar from the British, initiating the Great Siege. As the siege progressed, the British garrison needed to find a way to cover a blind spot on the north-east side of the Rock. Sergeant-Major Henry Ince of the Military Artificers suggested digging a tunnel to reach it, and construction began in May 1782.Using hand tools and explosives, British soldiers and local civilians painstakingly carved out the tunnels. Working in challenging conditions, they created a network of passages and gun ports that allowed the British to target the enemy lines. The tunnels were expanded after the siege and were reused during World War II. Today, visitors can explore the tunnels, view historical cannons, and learn about the lives of the soldiers who defended Gibraltar. Multimedia displays bring the history of the tunnels to life, making it a captivating experience for all ages.
Explore places near Great Siege Tunnels
Getting There
Walking
From Casemates Square in the city center, the Great Siege Tunnels are approximately a 45-minute uphill walk. Head north, following signs for the Upper Rock Nature Reserve. The route is paved but steep, so be prepared for a workout. Alternatively, from the top cable car station, walk north along Signal Station Road, descend to the Military Heritage Centre, turn right, and ascend the road to the tunnel entrance.
Public Transport
Take Bus Route 1 from Market Place to the Willi's Road Terminus, the last stop in the upper town. From there, it's a short walk to the Great Siege Tunnels. A Hopper Ticket provides unlimited travel on all Gibraltar bus routes for a day. A single bus fare costs approximately £2.20 [Information obtained from local sources]. Consider purchasing a day pass for unlimited travel.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available in Gibraltar. A taxi tour to the Upper Rock, including the Great Siege Tunnels, is a convenient option. Negotiate the fare beforehand. A typical taxi tour to the Upper Rock attractions costs around £55 [Information obtained from local sources].
Car
From the city center, follow signs for 'The Rock' and the Great Siege Tunnels. Limited parking is available near the entrance. Designated parking areas are located on Line Wall Road. Parking restrictions are strictly enforced. Parking fees vary, but expect to pay around £20 for most of the day.
A brief summary to Great Siege Tunnels
Use Great Siege Tunnels as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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