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Moorish Castle: A Timeless Gibraltar Landmark

Explore Gibraltar's Moorish Castle: a historic fortress offering panoramic views and a glimpse into the Rock's captivating past.

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The Moorish Castle in Gibraltar is a medieval fortification with origins dating back to the 8th century. Its most prominent features are the Tower of Homage and the Gate House. The castle has served as a defensive stronghold, a prison, and now a major tourist attraction, offering panoramic views and a glimpse into Gibraltar's rich history.

A brief summary to Moorish Castle

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes as the terrain within the castle is uneven.
  • Visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
  • Bring water and snacks, as there are limited facilities nearby.
  • Check the weather forecast before your visit for the best views.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the city center (e.g., Casemates Square), the Moorish Castle is approximately a 15-20 minute uphill walk. Follow Main Street north, then turn onto Willis's Road. The castle entrance will be on your left. Note that the walk is steep in places.

  • Public Transport

    The Citibus Route 1 connects the city center (Market Place) to Willis's Road Terminus, the closest bus stop to the Moorish Castle. From the terminus, it is a short walk to the castle entrance. A single Citibus fare is approximately £2.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Gibraltar. A taxi from the Gibraltar Airport to the Moorish Castle is approximately 5 km and takes about 13 minutes. A taxi ride from the city center to the Moorish Castle will cost approximately £5-£10.

  • Driving

    Driving to the Moorish Castle is possible, but parking is limited. The nearest parking is at the Grand Parade. From there, it is a short walk to the castle entrance. Be aware that there are parking restrictions in the area. Free parking is available at Grand Parade, but only in the center bays with white lines. Driving a non-resident vehicle inside the Nature Reserve is not permitted.

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Discover more about Moorish Castle

Perched on the northern slope of the Rock of Gibraltar, the Moorish Castle is a lasting symbol of the territory's complex and multicultural past. Construction of the castle began in the 8th century AD, possibly as early as 711 AD, marking the start of Islamic rule in Iberia. While the exact date of completion remains unrecorded, the castle's strategic importance quickly became evident. Over the centuries, the Moorish Castle has undergone numerous expansions and modifications, reflecting the diverse influences of Moorish, Spanish, and British rulers. The most conspicuous remaining parts of the castle are the Tower of Homage and the Gate House. The Tower of Homage, the tallest tower from the Islamic period in the Iberian Peninsula, offers panoramic views of Gibraltar and the surrounding areas. The Gate House features a cupola roof and provides insight into the fortress's defensive capabilities. Beyond its military function, the Moorish Castle has also served as a prison. Up until 2010, the courtyard of the castle housed HM Prison of Gibraltar. Today, the Moorish Castle is integrated into Gibraltar's Upper Rock Nature Reserve and is a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can explore the castle's towers, walls, gardens, and a small museum that showcases its history. The castle stands as a testament to Gibraltar's strategic importance and its role as a crossroads of civilizations. Note that the Moorish Castle will be closed to visitors from May 19th to July 27th, 2025.

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