Background

Great Siege Tunnels: A Fortress Within the Rock

4.6 (527)

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.

A brief summary to Great Siege Tunnels

  • 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

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the terrain inside the tunnels can be uneven.
  • Visit during off-peak hours (early morning or late afternoon) to avoid crowds.
  • Purchase a Nature Reserve ticket for access to the Great Siege Tunnels and other attractions.
  • Allow at least 40 minutes to an hour and a half to fully explore the tunnels.
widget icon

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

Attraction

St Georges Hall

St. George's Hall: A Glimpse into Gibraltar's Great Siege
Attraction

Military Heritage Centre

Military Heritage Centre: Gibraltar's Garrison History
Attraction

Governor's Lookout Battery

Governor's Lookout Battery: A Historical Sentinel

Unlock the Best of Great Siege Tunnels

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

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.

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 the best of what Great Siege Tunnels has to offer

Mobile App

Your all‑in‑one travel companion app

Explore expert travel guides, compare and book tours, experiences, hotels, and more—all from the palm of your hand. Download now for seamless trip planning wherever your wanderlust takes you.



More about Main Street

File:The convent in Gibraltar 7.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

Explore Main Street in Gibraltar: A bustling avenue that seamlessly blends history, culture, and modern-day charm, offering a unique shopping and dining experience.

Tell me more about Main Street
Attraction

Experience the heart of Gibraltar at The Gibraltar Bakery, where every bite tells a story of local tradition and flavor.

The Gibraltar Bakery
Attraction

Explore St. George's Hall in Gibraltar's Great Siege Tunnels: A historical journey into 18th-century military engineering and stunning views.

St Georges Hall

Select Currency