Background

Trafalgar Cemetery: A Historical Resting Place

Explore a peaceful and historically significant military cemetery in Gibraltar, commemorating naval battles and yellow fever epidemics.

4.3

Trafalgar Cemetery in Gibraltar, originally known as Southport Ditch Cemetery, is a historical site consecrated in 1798. Despite its name, very few who died at the Battle of Trafalgar are buried here. Instead, it serves as the final resting place for victims of yellow fever epidemics and other naval battles.

A brief summary to Trafalgar Cemetery

  • 4JMW+WW9, Gibraltar, GX11 1AA, GI

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for a quieter experience and better lighting for photographs.
  • Take time to read the inscriptions on the gravestones; many have fascinating stories behind them.
  • Respect the solemnity of the site and maintain a quiet demeanor while exploring.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    Trafalgar Cemetery is located just outside the city walls and is easily accessible by foot from most central locations in Gibraltar. From Casemates Square, head south through the Southport Gates. Once through the gates, the cemetery is a short walk to the left, bordered by Charles V Wall, Prince Edward's Road, and Trafalgar Road. The entrance is through a wrought-iron gate. There are no costs associated with walking to the cemetery.

  • Public Transport

    The nearest bus stop to Trafalgar Cemetery is 'Trafalgar Cemetery - Boyd St'. Several bus lines stop here, including lines 2, 3, 4, and 10. From the city center, take any of these buses towards the cemetery. The bus journey is short, and the cemetery is a few steps from the bus stop. A single bus fare in Gibraltar typically costs around £2.

Unlock the Best of Trafalgar Cemetery

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Trafalgar Cemetery

Trafalgar Cemetery, located just south of Gibraltar's city walls, offers a poignant glimpse into the territory's military and naval history. Consecrated in 1798, it was initially known as Southport Ditch Cemetery. The name 'Trafalgar Cemetery' is somewhat misleading, as only two casualties from the famed 1805 Battle of Trafalgar are buried here. Most of those killed in the battle were buried at sea. The cemetery primarily holds the remains of those who perished in other sea battles, such as the battles of Algeciras (1801), Cadiz (1810), and Malaga (1812), as well as victims of the yellow fever epidemics that struck Gibraltar between 1804 and 1814. Walking through the grounds, visitors will find over 500 graves, with many belonging to British sailors and officers. In 1932, gravestones from the St. Jago's Cemetery were moved to the east wall of Trafalgar Cemetery. The oldest tombstone dates back to 1738. The cemetery was restored in the 1980s, and in 1992, a memorial to the Battle of Trafalgar was erected. Today, an annual commemoration ceremony is held on the Sunday closest to Trafalgar Day.

Popular Experiences near Trafalgar Cemetery

Popular Hotels near Trafalgar Cemetery

Select Currency