South Barracks, Gibraltar, Military barracks in Gibraltar, United Kingdom
South Barracks is a military barrack building in Gibraltar stretching about 150 meters with two officer pavilions arranged around a large central courtyard. The structure features long wings organized around this open space in the middle.
This building rose between 1730 and 1735 as part of Britain's military fortification of Gibraltar, originally called New Barracks. It was designed to house over 1000 soldiers and served as a key element in controlling the Strait.
Two schools, St Joseph's Primary and St Joseph's Middle, have used the buildings since 1992 as learning spaces for local children. This transformation shows how a military site evolved into an important part of the community's educational infrastructure.
Access to the site is limited since schools now occupy the main buildings for educational purposes. Visitors should plan visits around school schedules and expect restricted entry to interior spaces.
The original design came from James Gabriel Montressor, a military engineer who later became Gibraltar's Chief Engineer. Montressor shaped the fortification architecture of the region for many years through his influential work.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
