South Bastion, Gibraltar

The South Bastion, constructed circa 1540 under the reign of Philip II of Spain, was part of the original fortifications that guarded the entrance to Gibraltar’s town from the Bay of Gibraltar. Strategically positioned at the western base of the Charles V Wall, this bastion formed a critical lynchpin in the city's defenses. The wall protected the southern limits of the town and stretched upward along the steep slopes of the Rock.

Designed under influence from Italian military engineers like Giovanni Battista Calvi and Giacomo Fratino, the bastion was built upon early Spanish blueprints and enhanced over the following centuries. By 1627, it was known as the “Bastion of Our Lady of the Rosary”. Its thick parapets-over 18 feet thick on the sea-facing side-were built to withstand naval bombardment, and its walls remained a cornerstone of Gibraltar’s defenses.

Over time, British engineers further reinforced the bastion-most notably in 1757, when Lord Tyrawley strengthened its southern flank. In 1870, it was again rebuilt to house powerful 10-inch Rifled Muzzle Loading guns within iron-shielded casemates.

Today, the South Bastion balances maritime heritage with modern life-it houses the Gibraltar College atop its historic ramparts. At its base stands a statue of Admiral Lord Nelson, unveiled in memory of his famous victory-and death-at the Battle of Trafalgar. The sculpture was created by John Doubleday and adds both commemorative weight and visual appeal.