Trafalgar Cemetery, St Michael S Cave Travel Guide

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Explore Gibraltar's naval history at Trafalgar Cemetery, a peaceful memorial to those who served in sea battles and faced yellow fever epidemics.

The Trafalgar Cemetery in Gibraltar, originally known as Southport Ditch Cemetery, is a historic burial ground consecrated in 1798. Despite its name, only two casualties from the Battle of Trafalgar are buried here; most interments are victims of sea battles or yellow fever epidemics. It offers a tranquil space to reflect on Gibraltar's naval history.

A brief summary to Trafalgar Cemetery

4JMW+WW9, Gibraltar, GX11 1AA, GI

Monday 9 am-5 pm
Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
Thursday 9 am-5 pm
Friday 9 am-5 pm
Saturday 9 am-5 pm
Sunday 9 am-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Trafalgar Cemetery.

Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for a quieter experience and better lighting for photographs.
Take time to read the inscriptions on the gravestones; many have fascinating stories behind them.
Respect the solemnity of the site; maintain a quiet demeanor while exploring.

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Explore Trafalgar Cemetery on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Trafalgar Cemetery, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

Trafalgar Cemetery is located outside the city walls. From Casemates Square, walk south along Main Street. Turn left onto Governor's Street, continuing until you reach Europa Road. Turn right, and the cemetery entrance will be on your left. The walk is approximately 15 minutes.
Public Transport

From the Gibraltar International Airport, take bus number 5 to Reclamation Road. From there, walk to the city center and follow the walking directions. Alternatively, take bus number 3 from the airport to Europa Point and walk to the cemetery. A single bus fare is approximately £1.50.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available throughout Gibraltar, including at the airport, the border, and Casemates Square. A taxi ride from the airport to Trafalgar Cemetery will cost approximately £13.60, including the airport surcharge. The base fare is £3.60, with an additional £2.00 per kilometer.

Discover more about Trafalgar Cemetery

Trafalgar Cemetery, located just south of Gibraltar's city walls, provides a poignant glimpse into the territory's naval past. Consecrated in 1798, it was initially known as Southport Ditch Cemetery. The name changed long after the Battle of Trafalgar, which took place on October 21, 1805. Ironically, only two casualties from that famous battle are buried here. Most of those who died at sea during the battle were buried at sea.The cemetery primarily serves as the final resting place for those who perished in other naval engagements and the yellow fever epidemics that struck Gibraltar between 1804 and 1814. Walking through the grounds, visitors will find over 500 graves, many belonging to British sailors and officers. The headstones recount stories of bravery and sacrifice.In 1932, gravestones from the disused St. Jago's Cemetery were moved to the east wall of Trafalgar Cemetery, adding to the historical tapestry. The oldest tombstone dates back to 1738. The cemetery was restored in the 1980s, and a memorial to the Battle of Trafalgar was erected in 1992. Today, an annual commemoration ceremony is held on the Sunday closest to Trafalgar Day.Trafalgar Cemetery is also recognized as an 'Arboretum'. It features labeled specimens of various tree species, including wild olives, narrow-leaved ash, Turkish oak, and atlas cedar.