Background

City Under Siege Exhibition: A Glimpse into Gibraltar's Resilient Past

Experience Gibraltar's history at the City Under Siege Exhibition: Relive the struggles and triumphs of its early settlers.

3.9

Step back in time at the City Under Siege Exhibition, housed in buildings dating back to the early 18th century, and discover how both civilians and military personnel survived the harsh realities of life during Gibraltar's many sieges. Explore the graffiti-covered walls, learn about the challenges they faced, and witness the strength of the Rock's early British settlers.

A brief summary to City Under Siege Exhibition

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the exhibition involves some walking and exploring uneven surfaces.
  • Allow at least 1-2 hours to fully explore the exhibition and appreciate the historical context.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Great Siege Tunnels for a more comprehensive understanding of Gibraltar's siege history.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    From Main Street, head north towards the Moorish Castle. Continue past the WWII Tunnels, following the signs for the City Under Siege Exhibition. The walk is uphill and takes approximately 15-20 minutes. There are no costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    Take bus route 1 from the city center (e.g., Casemates Square) towards Willis's Road. Alight at the Willis's Road stop, which is a short walk to the exhibition. Single tickets cost £1.60. Consider purchasing a Hopper ticket for £6.00 for unlimited travel on all Gibraltar routes.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Gibraltar. A taxi from the city center to the City Under Siege Exhibition will cost approximately £5-£7. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey.

Unlock the Best of City Under Siege Exhibition

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about City Under Siege Exhibition

The City Under Siege Exhibition offers a captivating journey into Gibraltar's past, showcasing the resilience and fortitude of its people during times of conflict. Housed within buildings believed to be among the first constructed by the British in Gibraltar, dating back to the early 18th century, the exhibition provides a tangible connection to the lives of those who endured numerous sieges. Originally used as magazines for storing ammunition, the buildings themselves bear witness to the challenges faced by the garrison and civilian population. As you wander through the exhibition, you'll encounter depictions of daily life, highlighting the hardships, strict discipline, and constant threat of famine, sickness, and bombardment that defined their existence. One of the most striking features of the exhibition is the graffiti etched into the walls, some dating back to 1726. These carvings offer a unique glimpse into the minds of the soldiers who spent countless hours on duty, their artistic expressions serving as a means of staying awake and warding off the boredom that could be punishable by death. Among the numerous carvings, keep an eye out for the drawing of a galleon and graffiti attributed to Sergeant Major Ince, the architect of the Great Siege Tunnels. The exhibition also sheds light on the grim realities of disease and mortality during the sieges. Yellow fever, smallpox, scurvy, and other illnesses claimed the lives of many, often proving more deadly than enemy attacks. Despite the constant threat, the people of Gibraltar persevered, demonstrating remarkable strength and determination in the face of adversity.

Popular Experiences near City Under Siege Exhibition

Popular Hotels near City Under Siege Exhibition

Select Currency