What is Casemates Square in Gibraltar and why is it historically important?
Short answer
Casemates Square is Gibraltar's main public square at the northern end of Main Street, named after the Grand Casemates bombproof barracks completed in 1817. Once a Moorish galley harbour, military parade ground and site of public executions, it is now lined with cafés, bars and restaurants and hosts Gibraltar's largest public events.
Detailed answer
Casemates Square sits at the northern entrance to Main Street and is the first large open space most visitors reach after walking in from the airport or the frontier. It takes its name from the Grand Casemates, bombproof barracks along the north side of the square that were planned from 1770 and completed in 1817 under Governor Sir George Don.
History
In the Moorish period the area was an intertidal zone where galleys were beached, and it was the location of the original Moorish Water Gate. After 1704 the area stayed in military use, and in the early nineteenth century the square became the training and parade ground for the garrison. It was also used for public executions.
Today
The square was refurbished in the 1990s, removing a car park that had occupied half of it. It now has open-air restaurants, cafés and bars, and hosts concerts, military parades, National Day celebrations and New Year's Eve parties.
- The Royal Gibraltar Police Central Police Station is in the square.
- The Gustavo Bacarisas Gallery in Casemates hosts exhibitions.
- The Gibraltar Tourist Board's self-guided history walk starts here.
- There is a taxi stand at the end of the square.