Casemates Square

Casemates Square is where Gibraltar starts. Coming through the land border from Spain, the first thing you reach after the runway crossing and the tunnel under the airfield is this wide open square flanked by 19th-century casemate buildings, the vaulted artillery storehouses the square is named after. It is the main gathering point, the transport hub, and the social centre of Gibraltar town. Even if you are not planning to do anything particular here, you end up spending time in it anyway. The square was built on the site of the old Grand Battery, one of Gibraltar's key defensive positions facing north toward Spain. The casemate buildings date from the early 19th century, designed to store artillery ammunition under protective vaulted ceilings. For most of Gibraltar's British military history the square functioned as a military parade ground. It was also the site of public executions until well into the 19th century. The last execution here was in 1864. Today it hosts open-air concerts, Christmas markets, national day celebrations, and the daily rhythm of a busy small territory. The surrounding buildings house restaurants, bars, and a tourist information centre. Grand Casemates Gate on the north side of the square was the main fortified entrance to Gibraltar town from the land side, and the gatehouse structure is still intact. What makes Casemates worth spending time in is the mix of people. Gibraltar has a distinct identity: British in governance and infrastructure, Andalusian in tone and family culture, with a Jewish community, a substantial Moroccan population, and enough passing international traffic from the port and airport to keep it varied. Sitting in the square for an hour tells you more about this place than most formal attractions can. Entry is free and the square is open at all times. Bus routes to the Upper Rock, Europa Point, and the eastern side of the Rock all pass through or near here. It is also the easiest place from which to start a walk down Main Street.