The Convent

The Convent on Main Street is the official residence of the Governor of Gibraltar, the de facto equivalent of Government House in other British Overseas Territories. The building's history predates British rule by nearly two centuries: it was founded as a Franciscan friary in 1531, built by the Spanish on what was already one of the most fought-over pieces of ground in European history. After the British took Gibraltar in 1704, it became the Governor's residence, a function it has served continuously ever since. The building is not open for general public tours, but the exterior is easily seen from Main Street and the Convent's changing of the guard ceremony at the gates is open to anyone who turns up. The ceremony takes place at midday on most weekdays. The exact schedule varies so it is worth checking with the Gibraltar Tourist Board before going specifically for this. It involves the resident battalion performing the formal drill that has been carried out here since the British garrison was established. The exterior of the Convent is a handsome example of colonial military architecture. The main building retains elements of the original friary construction visible in the courtyard and ground floor sections, with significant modifications during the 18th and 19th centuries as it was adapted for its residential and administrative role. The chapel, which survives from the original Franciscan foundation, is occasionally open for special visits. Convent Place, the small square in front of the building, is surrounded by other significant buildings including the Gibraltar Supreme Court and the historic City Hall. The whole area gives a strong sense of how Gibraltar's civic and governmental life is concentrated into a very small geography, one of the stranger quirks of administering a territory of just 6.7 square kilometres. Access to the exterior and square is free at all times.