North Bastion, Moorish Castle Travel Guide

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Explore Gibraltar's North Bastion: a historic fortress with stunning views, gardens, and a glimpse into the Rock's military past.

The North Bastion, formerly Baluarte San Pablo, is a key part of Gibraltar's fortifications, protecting the town from the Spanish mainland. Built upon the old Giralda tower from 1309, it has been modified and strengthened over centuries by various rulers, playing a vital role in numerous sieges. Today, it houses gardens and a pétanque club, with plans for further development as a tourist attraction.

A brief summary to North Bastion

1 Corral Rd, Gibraltar, GX11 1AA, GI

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring North Bastion.

Wear comfortable shoes, as exploring the bastion involves walking on uneven surfaces.
Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photography.
Check the local weather forecast, as high winds can affect your visit.

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Explore North Bastion on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near North Bastion, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From Casemates Square, walk north along Main Street. Turn left onto Corral Road. Continue walking until you reach North Bastion at 1 Corral Rd. The walk is approximately 10-15 minutes.
Public Transport

Catch bus number 3 or 5 from the city center. Disembark at the Gibraltar Museum stop. From there, walk northwest on Main Street, continue straight, and turn left onto Corral Road. North Bastion will be located at 1 Corral Rd. A single bus fare is approximately £2.20.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available throughout Gibraltar, including at the airport, border, and Casemates Square. A taxi ride from the Gibraltar International Airport to North Bastion will cost approximately £13.60, with a base fare of £3.60 and £2.00 per km.

Discover more about North Bastion

The North Bastion, historically known as Baluarte San Pablo (St. Paul's Bastion), stands as a testament to Gibraltar's enduring military significance. Located at the northern edge of the city, it formed a crucial defense against attacks from mainland Spain. The bastion's origins trace back to 1309 with the construction of the Giralda tower by the Spanish.Over the centuries, the North Bastion has undergone numerous transformations, reflecting the changing hands and evolving military strategies of Gibraltar. In the mid-16th century, King Philip II commissioned significant improvements, converting the Giralda Tower into a formidable bastion. During sieges, the bastion served as a vital artillery platform, directing fire across the isthmus and bay. The British further strengthened the fortifications after capturing Gibraltar in 1704, including flooding the land in front and turning the curtain wall into the Grand Battery.Today, the North Bastion is surrounded by reclaimed land, with Glacis Road running along its former glacis. Smith Dorrien Avenue separates the bastion from the still largely intact curtain wall. The site is now home to the Giralda Gardens and a pétanque club, offering a blend of history and recreation. The Government of Gibraltar has plans to rehabilitate the area, enhancing its appeal as a tourist destination and linking it to the Northern Defences. Visitors can explore the bastion's well-preserved structure, imagining the lives of the soldiers who once defended this strategic location.