Gibraltar City Hall, Municipal administrative building in John Mackintosh Square, Gibraltar
Gibraltar City Hall stands at the west end of John Mackintosh Square with three stories and a symmetrical facade following Regency architecture principles. The building now serves as the Mayor's office and has housed the official Registry of Marriages since 2023.
Portuguese merchant Aaron Cardozo built the structure in 1819 as a private residence after receiving special permission, thanks to his friendship with Lord Nelson. The site had previously been occupied by an old hospital and chapel of La Santa Misericordia.
The building houses the Mario Finlayson National Art Gallery, displaying works by notable local artists from different periods. Visitors can experience the creative output of Gibraltar's artistic community within this historic structure.
The building sits centrally in John Mackintosh Square and is easy to reach on foot, with clear views of its neoclassical features. The square itself provides open space and often draws locals, making it a pleasant spot to visit and explore.
The structure was built in 1819 by the wealthy Cardozo, whose connection to Nelson granted him this privilege, making it a rare example of private wealth shaping the urban landscape at that time. This story of a prominent merchant with high-level connections remains embedded in the square's identity today.
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