Background

Great Siege Tunnels: A Fortress Within the Rock

Explore Gibraltar's Great Siege Tunnels: a testament to military ingenuity and enduring defense within the Rock.

4.6

The Great Siege Tunnels in Gibraltar are a network of tunnels carved into the Rock of Gibraltar during the Great Siege of 1779-1783. These tunnels, initially created for strategic defense, showcase 18th-century military engineering and offer visitors a glimpse into Gibraltar's history.

A brief summary to Great Siege Tunnels

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the terrain within the tunnels can be uneven.
  • Consider visiting during off-peak hours (early morning or late afternoon) to avoid crowds.
  • The tunnels are part of the Upper Rock Nature Reserve; a single ticket grants access to multiple attractions.
  • Allocate sufficient time to explore the tunnels fully and appreciate their historical significance.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    From Queen's Road, head towards Main Street and continue until the end. Turn right onto Line Wall Road and follow the signs to the Great Siege Tunnels. The entrance at 1b Leanse Place is about a 15-20 minute walk. Note that the walk involves a gradual incline.

  • Public Transport

    Take a bus from Queen's Road towards 'The Rock' or 'Great Siege Tunnels'. The closest bus stop is at the junction of Main Street and Line Wall Road. From there, walk towards 1b Leanse Place (approximately 10 minutes), following the signs. A Hopper ticket provides unlimited travel on all Gibraltar bus routes for a full day. A single bus fare costs approximately £2.20.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available from the Gibraltar Airport or the city center. A taxi ride from the airport to the Great Siege Tunnels takes approximately 15 minutes. The cost is approximately £20-£30. Ensure the taxi driver is aware of the location, as it is within the Upper Rock Nature Reserve.

Unlock the Best of Great Siege Tunnels

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Great Siege Tunnels

The Great Siege Tunnels, also known as the Upper Galleries, represent a remarkable feat of military engineering born out of necessity during the Great Siege of Gibraltar. Lasting from 1779 to 1783, the Great Siege was an attempt by France and Spain to capture Gibraltar from Great Britain. Faced with a blind spot on the north-east side of the Rock, the British garrison conceived a daring plan: to dig a tunnel through the solid limestone to reach a strategic point known as The Notch. Construction began in May 1782, led by Sergeant-Major Henry Ince of the Military Artificers. Working with manual labor, picks, chisels, iron wedges, and gunpowder, the tunnellers painstakingly carved through the rock. Ventilation issues prompted the creation of gun ports along the cliff face, which provided airflow and allowed defenders to position cannons directly facing the enemy lines. These unique embrasures offered both protection and firepower, fundamentally changing the dynamics of the siege. As you walk through the tunnels today, you'll trace the steps of soldiers who lived and worked in these corridors over two centuries ago. Explore chambers and passageways, with historical cannons still positioned overlooking the landscapes they once defended. Multimedia displays bring the history of the tunnels and their role in Gibraltar's past to life. The tunnels were expanded after the siege and again in the lead-up to and during WWII. Today, the tunnels stand as a testament to wartime strategy, resilience, and determination.

Popular Experiences near Great Siege Tunnels

Popular Hotels near Great Siege Tunnels

Select Currency