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Nelson's Anchorage: A Testament to Naval History

Explore Nelson's Anchorage in Gibraltar: where naval history meets breathtaking views. Discover the legendary 100-Ton Gun and maritime past.

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Nelson's Anchorage marks the site where Admiral Lord Nelson's body was allegedly brought ashore after the Battle of Trafalgar. The site features the impressive 100-Ton Gun, a relic of Victorian-era military technology, and offers stunning views of Rosia Bay.

A brief summary to Nelson's Anchorage

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning for the best light for photography and to avoid crowds.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the area involves some walking.
  • Combine your visit with other nearby attractions such as Rosia Bay and Parson's Lodge Battery.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Camp Bay, walk along Avenida de la República towards the cable car station. Turn left at the junction towards the cable car and continue straight, following signs for Nelson's Anchorage. The walk takes approximately 30-40 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    From the city center, take bus route 3 towards Europa Point. Alight near the Gibraltar Nature Reserve entrance. From there, walk towards the coast following signs for Nelson's Anchorage, approximately a 20-minute walk. Bus fare is approximately £2.20.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Gibraltar. A taxi from the airport to Nelson's Anchorage will cost approximately £20. The journey takes around 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic.

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Discover more about Nelson's Anchorage

Nelson's Anchorage, nestled at the southwestern end of Gibraltar, is a site steeped in maritime history and legend. It commemorates the location where, following the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, HMS Victory was towed for repairs, and where it's said that Admiral Lord Nelson's body was brought ashore. According to local lore, his body was preserved in a barrel of alcohol for its journey back to England. The focal point of Nelson's Anchorage is the 100-Ton Gun, a massive piece of Victorian-era artillery installed in the early 1880s. Named after Baron Napier of Magdala, the battery was strategically positioned to protect the entrances to both the commercial harbor and the Royal Naval Dockyard in Rosia Bay. The gun itself, manufactured by Sir W.C. Armstrong in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, was nicknamed “The Rockbuster”. It is one of only two such guns remaining in the world, the other residing in Malta. Although it never saw action, the 100-Ton Gun stands as a testament to the engineering prowess of the time. Visitors to Nelson's Anchorage can explore the historical significance of the site, taking in panoramic views of the bay and the Rock of Gibraltar. Informational plaques around the area recount naval battles and Gibraltar's strategic importance throughout history. The site provides a tranquil escape with sea breezes and coastal vistas.

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