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City Under Siege Exhibition: Gibraltar's Garrison History

Experience Gibraltar's Great Siege: Explore historic buildings, soldier graffiti, and stories of survival at the City Under Siege Exhibition.

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Step back in time at the City Under Siege Exhibition, housed in one of Gibraltar's oldest British-built structures. Explore exhibits depicting civilian and military life during the Great Siege, complete with original graffiti etched by soldiers.

A brief summary to City Under Siege Exhibition

Local tips

  • Combine your visit with the Great Siege Tunnels tour for a more complete understanding of Gibraltar's military history.
  • Look closely at the graffiti on the walls; some carvings date back to the early 18th century.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the exhibition involves some walking and is located uphill.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Casemates Square, walk east towards Main Street. Continue up Main Street, passing the Gibraltar Museum. Turn left onto Willis's Road. The City Under Siege Exhibition is a short walk up Willis's Road on the right.

  • Public Transport

    Take bus route 1 to the Willis's Road Terminus, the last stop on the route. From the terminus, walk uphill on Willis's Road; the City Under Siege Exhibition will be on your left. A single bus fare is approximately £1.50.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Gibraltar. A taxi from the Gibraltar International Airport to the City Under Siege Exhibition will cost approximately £14-£20. From the city center, expect to pay around £7-£10.

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Discover more about City Under Siege Exhibition

The City Under Siege Exhibition offers a glimpse into Gibraltar's resilient past, specifically life during the Great Siege (1779-1783). Housed within buildings dating back to the early 18th century, some of the first constructed by the British in Gibraltar, the site itself is a historical artifact. Originally, these buildings served as ammunition magazines, vital for supplying the Rock's defenses. The exhibition vividly portrays the hardships endured by both civilians and military personnel during prolonged sieges. Exhibits showcase how people survived under strict conditions, with limited supplies and constant threat of bombardment. Stories passed down through generations reveal the challenges of famine, disease, and relentless attacks. One of the most unique aspects of the exhibition is the graffiti adorning the walls. Carved by soldiers during their long hours of duty, these etchings offer a personal connection to the past. Among the drawings and names, look for the galleon and the inscription attributed to Sergeant Major Ince, the architect of the Great Siege Tunnels. The exhibition also highlights the strict discipline enforced to maintain order amidst the tension and boredom of siege life, including the harsh punishments meted out. Visitors can also see the original water cisterns and drainage systems used by the garrison. The exhibition provides an immersive experience with sounds recreating the experience of a bombardment during the siege.

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