Grand Casemates Square

The largest of the two main squares in Gibraltar's city center is Grand Casemates Square (the other being John Mackintosh Square). The square is named after the Grand Casemates, a casemate and bombproof barracks erected by the British and finished in 1817 at the square's northern end.

Grand Casemates Square, which is as old as the city itself, is Gibraltar's nightlife and commercial core, with a plethora of pubs, restaurants, clubs, and stores. On the street's northern terminus, bombproof barracks now house a café and an art gallery. The land was cleared and transformed into an esplanade after the Great Siege, which held military parades and public hangings (the last of which occurred in 1864). Notice the excavated foundations of a 14th-century galley house that was built in the Moorish period but sank into the sand over the years.

One of the chief attractions at Casemates Square is the Ceremony of the Keys. It is a re-enactment of the locking of the gates that lead to the old Gibraltar garrisons. Like its counterpart in London, the Ceremony of the Keys carries on the tradition that history is not dull but a living part of life. The ceremony is performed once a year courtesy of the Royal Gibraltar Regiment and re-enacted every Saturday at noon by the Gibraltar Re-enactment Association. Perhaps that only adds to the mystery and attraction of the Casemate area, the ghosts of the people who fought and died for this lonely bit of the strategic ground.

Grand Casemates Square, where you may eat, drink, shop, and reflect on great history, will leave you with unforgettable memories. It's a hive of activity all year round, with enduring traditions and first-rate entertainment for all ages. It is considered one of the most beautiful historical sites in Gibraltar, and certainly, it is a must-see during your trip to this area.

Location: Gibraltar