The Moorish Castle Complex

The Tower of Homage and the Gate House are the most prominent components of the Moorish Castle, which is a medieval stronghold in Gibraltar that consists of different buildings, gates, and defended walls. The Gibraltar prison was situated in part of the castle until it was relocated in 2010.

The Moorish Castle Complex (The Tower of Homage and The Gate House), a contemporary of the more famous Alhambra, proudly shows the scars of countless sieges it has endured over the years. The castle's original fortifications were built around 1160, but the main tower, as well as the walls, gatehouse, and bastions, are from the 14th century, or the second Moorish period. From the exterior, you can readily study the castle's structure and absorb the medieval aura. Entering the tower provides little in the way of educational value: there are no displays and only a few historical facts that may be found elsewhere if you don't want to pay the entrance price.

All visitors to Gibraltar will notice the Tower of Homage, not only because of its spectacular architecture, but also because of its commanding and strategic position. Although it is often likened to Spain's Alcázar, Gibraltar's Moorish Castle was built by the Marinid dynasty, making it unique on the Iberian Peninsula.

The Moorish Castle is now one of the most beautiful historical sites in Gibraltar and the most popular tourist attractions in this area, and it is depicted on the reverse of the Gibraltar five-pound banknote from 1995 (which is still in circulation). The term "Moorish Castle" is also applied to the residential area surrounding the Castle, which is where the Moorish Castle Estate is located.

Location: 5 Moorish Castle Estate, Gibraltar GX11 1AA, Gibraltar