Tunnels

The Rock of Gibraltar is honeycombed with a number of manmade tunnel systems, which reflect the centuries of conflict faced by Gibraltar during its many sieges.

Although some tunnels remain in use by the military today, it is possible to visit many that were previously closed to the public.

Great Siege Tunnels

During the Great Siege, the gallant defenders were stunned when the Spanish and French besiegers dug into trenches too close to Gibraltar for the British to fire on them.  Imaginative solutions were needed, and Sgt Major Ince suggested tunnelling to get to a projection of rock to allow the British guns to fire sideways on the attackers.  While tunneling by hand through the solid rock, the dust was so stifling that air vents were created, and it was then realised these holes would make excellent embrasures for guns. The Great Siege Tunnels are a testimony to British ingenuity and to sheer courage and determination.

For further information please contact:

Gibraltar Tourist Board
Duke of Kent House Cathedral Square Gibraltar
(+ 350) 200 74950
tourism@gibraltar.gi

World War II Tunnels

In 1940 Britain was at war with Germany and Italy and the future looked bleak for Gibraltar as the enemy surrounded it.  Winston Churchill and the British military leaders believed that an attack on Gibraltar was imminent.  The answer was to construct a massive network of tunnels, to build a fortress inside a fortress, a city within a city.  In May 2005 the World War II Tunnels were opened to the general public and now you too can follow in the footsteps of Churchill, Sikorski and De Gaulle and walk through this amazing testament to the soldiers and civilians who toiled in the very bowels of the Rock during the darkest days of the War.

For further information please contact one of the following:

Gibraltar Tourist Board
Duke of Kent House Cathedral Square Gibraltar
(+ 350) 200 74950
tourism@gibraltar.gi

WWII Tunnels
Princes Caroline’s Battery Upper Rock Gibraltar
(+ 350) 200 45957