North Bastion, Gibraltar, Military fortification in Gibraltar, United Kingdom
North Bastion is a military fortification at the northwest corner of Gibraltar's old town, built with stone walls and designed for coastal defense. The site now includes the Giralda Gardens, which occupy the elevated areas of this former stronghold.
The structure began as the Giralda Tower, constructed in 1309 by Castilian forces at this strategic point. It was then rebuilt and reinforced as a bastion during Philip II's fortification program in the 1560s.
The location now serves as a gathering space for the Gibraltar Petanque Association, bringing together residents who enjoy traditional boules games in the open air. The gardens here have become a place where locals spend leisurely afternoons, particularly on weekends.
You can reach the bastion by walking along Glacis Road or Smith Dorrien Avenue, with parking areas available near the northern entrance. The grounds are relatively flat and easy to walk, making access straightforward for most visitors.
An elevated gun platform was constructed here during the Great Siege of 1779 to 1783, designed to hold five artillery pieces for harbor defense. This defensive installation played a key role in protecting the port during this intense military conflict.
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