"Picturesque and busy Casemates Square" Forts / Batteries / Castles Tip by Bwana_Brown

It was quite a nice surprise to emerge from the Landport Tunnel into the very historic looking Casemates Square! The houses in this part of Gibraltar were so damaged during the seige of 1727 that the British decided to raze them to the ground and replace them with a large square. Around its perimeter they built casemates, which are fortified enclosures (usually with an arched roof) to provide protection for the British garrison in the event of future attacks. As we stepped through Casemates Gate we just happened to be next door to the appealing looking Nelson Pub, so we stopped there for a sitdown and a drink before continuing onward (see my 'Restaurant' tip for further details).

This is quite a popular spot for both tourists and locals, with a great variety of shops and restaurants located around the perimeter of the Square as they have taken over the old defensive positions. Preparations were being made for a big New Years Eve extravaganza later in the day. There also happened to be a Tourist Information office on the far side of the Square, so we were able to get some great information from them regarding what we should see and what sort of transport would be best (bus) given our short timeline in Gibraltar. This view of Casemates Square was taken as we headed further up the Rock to catch a bus.

Directions: The Landport Tunnel will deliver you there