Grand Casemates Gates, Fortified entrance gate in Gibraltar, United Kingdom
The Grand Casemates Gates is a fortified stone entrance built into the Line Wall that connects the northwestern area to the older fortified part of town. The gates open directly onto Main Street and the commercial hub of Grand Casemates Square.
The gates were built in 1727 as Waterport Gate by British military authorities to create a main access point during the early period of British rule. Earlier fortification layers from different periods were incorporated into the structure, showing the site's long defensive history.
The Ceremony of the Keys happens here, with participants dressed in period uniforms performing a traditional ritual to secure the gates. Visitors can witness this living tradition that connects the place to its military past.
The gates are located at a central point and easily accessible on foot, opening directly into the main commercial district. Visitors should know that the area gets crowded during peak hours, and better photo opportunities occur in early morning or late afternoon.
Below the visible limestone stones lie remains from Moorish and Spanish periods, with elements dating back to the 14th century. This layered construction makes the gate a physical record of the different rulers and military powers that controlled Gibraltar.
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