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O'Hara's Battery: Gibraltar's Highest Point

Explore O'Hara's Battery, the highest point on the Rock of Gibraltar, offering panoramic views and a glimpse into Gibraltar's military history.

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O'Hara's Battery, perched at the highest point of the Rock of Gibraltar, offers visitors a unique glimpse into the territory's military history and unparalleled panoramic views. Named after Governor Charles O'Hara, the battery stands as a testament to Gibraltar's strategic importance throughout the centuries.

A brief summary to O'Hara's Battery

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as reaching the battery involves a steep ascent.
  • Visit early morning or late afternoon for a more tranquil experience and optimal lighting for photos.
  • Check the opening hours before you go, as they may vary.
  • Purchase a Nature Reserve ticket to access O'Hara's Battery and other attractions on the Upper Rock.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Gibraltar Cable Car top station, walk south along O'Hara's Road for approximately 10 minutes. The path is well-marked, but be prepared for a slightly steep incline. Alternatively, if you're feeling energetic, you can hike up the Mediterranean Steps, which emerge near O'Hara's Battery. This is a challenging climb that takes around 2 hours.

  • Public Transport

    Take a bus to the Cable Car base station from the Gibraltar city centre. From the frontier, take bus number 5; from the cruise terminal, take bus number 8. From the Cable Car top station, follow the walking directions. A single bus ticket costs approximately £2.20.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Gibraltar and can take you to the entrance of the Upper Rock Nature Reserve. From there, it's a short walk to O'Hara's Battery. A taxi tour to the Upper Rock, including O'Hara's Battery, typically costs around £32 per person, with a minimum of 4 people. Note that private vehicles are not allowed within the Nature Reserve.

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Discover more about O'Hara's Battery

O'Hara's Battery, located at the summit of the Rock of Gibraltar, is a historic artillery battery offering breathtaking views and a fascinating insight into Gibraltar's military past. The battery is named after General Charles O'Hara, who served as the Governor of Gibraltar in the late 18th century. Originally, the site was intended for a watchtower, envisioned by O'Hara to monitor enemy movements in Cadiz. However, the tower, later known as O'Hara's Folly, failed to meet its intended purpose. In 1890, the current battery was constructed, later armed with a 9.2-inch Mark X BL gun in 1901, capable of striking targets up to 16 miles away. The battery played a defensive role in both World War I and World War II. It last fired during training exercises in 1976. Today, O'Hara's Battery has been refurbished and is open to the public. Visitors can explore the gun emplacements, underground chambers, and observation points. The site offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea, the Strait of Gibraltar, and the town below.

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