Charles V Wall
A sixteenth-century wall running from the town up the Rock's western face.
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The Charles V Wall was built in the sixteenth century after a raid on Gibraltar, running from the sea up the steep western face of the Rock to close off the southern approach, and a long flight of steps runs alongside it. It was rebuilt and extended over the following centuries. The climb up beside it is steep but it gives the clearest sense of how the Rock's defences worked with the terrain.
What you actually see
- The wall line - the defence running from the sea up the steep face.
- The steps - the long flight climbing alongside the wall.
- The sixteenth-century work - built after a raid on the town.
- The terrain logic - defences using the slope rather than fighting it.
When to go
April to October is the mild season. The climb is hard in summer heat. Mornings are cooler for the steps.
Honest expectations
The steps are steep and there are a lot of them. Sections of the wall are in poor repair. There is little interpretation on the ground.
Nearby
The Botanic Gardens are below, and the Apes' Den is above.
What to pack for Charles V Wall
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
