South Bastion, Gibraltar

The South Bastion is a coastal fortification in Gibraltar featuring thick stone walls and multiple defensive positions built into the rocky shoreline. The structure includes various chambers, storage areas, and vantage points that demonstrate the layered system of military defense.

The bastion was built in 1540 under Emperor Charles V to strengthen Gibraltar's defenses against Mediterranean sea raids. It formed part of a broader fortification program designed to protect the entire coastline of the Rock.

The bastion shows how military commanders organized defensive spaces and positioned troops along the coast. Walking through it gives a sense of how soldiers lived and worked within these stone walls during periods of high alert.

Access is available throughout the year, and the site is straightforward to explore since main positions are accessible from the upper areas. Sturdy footwear is recommended as stone surfaces can be slippery and wind protection is limited along the exposed coast.

The bastion contains a network of tunnels and underground passages that allowed soldiers to move between positions without crossing open ground. These hidden routes demonstrate the ingenious defensive thinking built into its design.

Inception: 1540

GPS coordinates: 36.13426,-5.35378

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:23