World War II tunnels
A fortress-city carved for global war
Civilians were evacuated while the garrison prepared for siege.
Over 50 km of tunnels were added, housing hospitals, bakeries, fuel and ammunition.
Gibraltar became a critical base for Allied operations in the Mediterranean and North Africa.
During the Second World War, Gibraltar's civilian population was evacuated and the Rock was transformed into one of the most heavily fortified places on Earth. British and Canadian engineers extended the existing galleries into more than 50 kilometres of new tunnels housing hospitals, bakeries, generators, ammunition and command posts. From here, the Allies coordinated convoys across the Mediterranean and, in 1942, launched Operation Torch against North Africa. The Rock became the hinge between Europe and Africa in a way that echoed its Andalusi past — this time with steel and radio instead of towers and beacons.
- Turned a small territory into a strategic Allied base for the whole Mediterranean.
- Preserves one of the most complete WWII tunnel systems in Europe.
- Marks the moment when Gibraltar's civilian identity was reshaped by evacuation.
- The WWII Tunnels experience under the northern side of the Rock.
- Original signage, pipes, storage rooms and command spaces left in place.
- Views from the tunnel exits over the bay, port and border with La Línea.
Confusing the WWII tunnels with the Great Siege tunnels. They're different systems from different centuries — try to visit both to understand the layered fortress.
Bring a light jacket even in summer: the tunnels stay cool all year. Combine the visit with the Upper Rock viewpoints for context between what you saw underground and the sea outside.
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Frequently asked questions
How long are the WWII tunnels?
Over 50 km of new galleries were added during WWII, on top of earlier military tunnels.
Were civilians evacuated?
Yes, most of the civilian population of Gibraltar was evacuated to the UK, Madeira, Jamaica and elsewhere during the war.
What was Operation Torch?
The Allied landings in French North Africa in November 1942, coordinated in large part from Gibraltar.
Are the WWII Tunnels a separate visit?
Yes, they are ticketed separately from the Great Siege Tunnels, though both are part of the Upper Rock area.