Grand Casemates Square

Grand Casemates Square is an interesting place to pass some time in Gibraltar.  The fortifications of the area go all the way back to the Moorish occupation.  The square was originally built on sand that was in an intertidal zone.  The original foundations have long since sunk into the sand, but an excavation has exposed some of the walls from the 14th century.  These remains would be from the time when the Spanish had possession of the area.  Unfortunately, the soft ground became a problem for the Spanish, and the buildings started sinking into the sand.

By the time the British took control, they decided to built the fortress walls and battlements on higher and more stable ground.  The Grand Casemates were designed as bombproof barracks on the squares northern boundary.  Up until about the mid 1800’s, Grand Casemates Square was used for military parades and public hangings.  The last public hanging was in 1864.  Now it is a gathering place, a place to enjoy the weather and people watch.

Currently, the Grand Casemates houses shops, restaurants, and bars.  They are fascinating places to visit, as you pass through the thick walls into what used to be old barracks.  You can really feel how well fortified it is inside the walls.  It makes for a charming place to sit and eat or sip a drink.  You feel like you have stepped back in time.

Nancy and I had an afternoon getaway here while Summer and Luie cooked dinner at home.  It was quiet as most people were still at work.  We had a nice time talking and relaxing for a while.  And then the post work rush came, so we decided to head back to the apartment.  It is definitely worth a visit to one of the restaurants or bars to experience the inside of Grand Casemates.