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Harding's Battery: A Glimpse into Gibraltar's Military Past

Explore Gibraltar's military heritage at Harding's Battery, a restored 19th-century artillery battery with stunning views from Europa Point.

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Harding's Battery, also known as Harding's Fort, is a restored artillery battery at Europa Point in Gibraltar. Named after Sir George Harding, it offers visitors a chance to explore a 19th-century military installation, complete with a massive 12.5-inch RML gun and underground visitor center within the old Europa Sunken Magazine.

A brief summary to Harding's Battery

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you will be walking on uneven terrain while exploring the battery.
  • Don't forget your camera; the views of the Mediterranean and the Rock are spectacular.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Europa Point Lighthouse, Harding's Battery is a short walk away. Head west along Europa Point Road, following the signs for Harding's Battery. The walk is approximately 500 meters and should take no more than 10 minutes. The path is mostly flat and paved, making for an easy stroll.

  • Public Transport

    The No. 3 bus service runs to Europa Point from the city center. Alight at the Europa Point bus terminus. From the bus stop, Harding's Battery is a short walk away, following signs towards the battery. The bus journey from the city center takes approximately 20 minutes. A single bus fare is approximately £2.20.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Gibraltar. A taxi from the city center to Harding's Battery will cost approximately £10-£12 and take around 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. Ask the driver to take you to Europa Point, Harding's Battery.

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Discover more about Harding's Battery

Harding's Battery, perched at Europa Point, stands as a proud testament to Gibraltar's strategic military history. Named in honor of Sir George Harding, Chief Engineer of Gibraltar in 1844, the battery occupies a site with a long history of fortifications, initially as the 7th Europa Battery. Originally constructed in 1859, the battery was initially armed with two 18-pounder guns, later upgraded to 32-pounders in 1863. In 1877, it was reconstructed to house a formidable 12.5-inch Rifle Muzzle Loading (RML) gun on a barbette mounting. This massive gun, capable of firing 800-pound projectiles, was intended to bolster Gibraltar's coastal defenses. The ammunition magazine was located in underground chambers, with shells and cartridges hoisted to the gun via derricks and wheeled on rails. While the battery saw modifications and proposals for upgrades over the years, including a plan in 1904 to install a 9.2-inch coastal defense gun, the 12.5-inch RML remained its primary armament until it was eventually removed. During World War II, the site served as a Light Anti-Aircraft (LAA) battery. After years of neglect and being buried under sand, Harding's Battery was unearthed and restored as part of a broader redevelopment of Europa Point that began in 2010. The Europa Sunken Magazine, located beneath the gun emplacement, was transformed into a visitor center, offering insights into the battery's history and the natural aspects of Gibraltar. Today, visitors can explore the restored battery, examine the massive RML gun (originally from Alexandra's Battery), and delve into the site's fascinating past.

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