Great Siege Tunnels, Queensway Quay Travel Guide

4.6 (564)

Explore Gibraltar's Great Siege Tunnels: A historic network of military ingenuity carved into the Rock during the 18th century.

Home
Travel Guides
Gibraltar
Queensway Quay
Great Siege Tunnels

The Great Siege Tunnels in Gibraltar are a network of tunnels carved out of solid limestone during the Great Siege of 1779-1783. Dug by British soldiers, they provided strategic artillery positions and protected passages, showcasing remarkable military engineering. Today, they stand as a living museum, offering visitors a glimpse into Gibraltar's resilient past.

A brief summary to Great Siege Tunnels

1b Leanse Place, Gibraltar, GX11 1AA, GI
Click to display
Click to display

Monday 9 am-6:15 pm
Tuesday 9 am-6:15 pm
Wednesday 9 am-6:15 pm
Thursday 9 am-6:15 pm
Friday 9 am-6:15 pm
Saturday 9 am-6:15 pm
Sunday 9 am-6:15 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Great Siege Tunnels.

Wear comfortable shoes, as exploring the tunnels involves walking on uneven surfaces and inclines.
Visit during off-peak hours (early morning or late afternoon) to avoid crowds.
Purchase a Nature Reserve ticket for access to the tunnels and other attractions on the Upper Rock.
Consider a guided tour or the Gibraltar Pass for a comprehensive experience.
Bring a jacket, as the tunnels can be cool even on warm days.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Queen Alexandra Dock

Queen's Gate

Skywalk Gibraltar

Saint Michael's Cave

Lower St Michael's Cave

Explore Great Siege Tunnels on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Great Siege Tunnels, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From Casemates Square, walk east towards the city center, then ascend the Rock via Willis's Road. Follow the signs for the Upper Rock Nature Reserve and the Great Siege Tunnels. The walk is steep and takes approximately 45 minutes. Admission to the tunnels is included with the Nature Reserve ticket, which can be purchased at the Moorish Castle entrance. Note that the walk is strenuous.
Public Transport

Take Bus Route 1 from the city center (Market Place) to Willis's Road Terminus, the last stop in the upper town. From there, walk uphill, following signs for the Great Siege Tunnels. A single bus fare costs approximately £2.20. Consider purchasing a Hopper Ticket for unlimited travel on all Gibraltar bus routes for a day.
Taxi

Taxis are available at various locations, including the frontier, coach terminus, Casemates Square, and the airport. A taxi tour to the Upper Rock, including the Great Siege Tunnels, costs approximately £8 per person, plus an £8 entry fee to the Upper Rock attractions, with a minimum of 4 people. Customised tours can also be negotiated.

Discover more about Great Siege Tunnels

The Great Siege Tunnels, also known as the Upper Galleries, represent a pivotal chapter in Gibraltar's history, carved during the Great Siege of 1779-1783. Faced with a seemingly impossible challenge, Sergeant-Major Henry Ince of the Military Artificers proposed tunneling through the Rock of Gibraltar to reach a blind spot on the north-east side. This ambitious plan was approved, and on May 25, 1782, construction began.Working with rudimentary tools like picks, chisels, and explosives, British soldiers and local civilians painstakingly carved through the solid limestone. The tunnels served as protected passages and strategic positions for artillery, enabling the British to target Spanish batteries and siege works. The ingenuity of these tunnels played a crucial role in Gibraltar's defense, allowing it to withstand the siege.Over time, the tunnel network expanded, with around 4,000 feet (1,200 m) of tunnels constructed by 1790. The tunnels were reused and expanded during World War II to house a garrison of 16,000 men. Today, visitors can explore the tunnels, view historical cannons, and learn about the lives of the soldiers who worked and lived within these underground corridors. Multimedia displays bring the history to life, making it a captivating experience for all ages.