Gibraltar Parliament, Gibraltar

The Gibraltar Parliament occupies a dignified Regency-style building with a clock-topped façade and three-arched portico. Erected in 1817 by public subscription, it originally served the colony’s merchants as the Exchange and Commercial Library before taking on its present civic role. Funds were raised by the Exchange Committee, and the premises housed a library and auction room that became a meeting point for traders and shipowners.

Government moved in during the mid-20th century: the Legislative Council took up residence in 1950 and, under Gibraltar’s 1969 Constitution, this evolved into the House of Assembly. A further constitutional step on 2 January 2007 restyled the chamber as the Gibraltar Parliament, reflecting a modernised framework of self-government.

Visitors often pause on the square to take in the architecture: the pale façade, arcaded ground floor and balustraded roofline give the building a restrained elegance. Look up to spot the bust of local philanthropist John Mackintosh set in a niche on the west-facing front. Access to the interior is limited and generally tied to parliamentary business, but there is a public gallery during sittings; if you hope to observe proceedings, check the Parliament website for schedules and recent Hansard records.