Gibraltar Botanic Gardens, Gibraltar
The Gibraltar Botanic Gardens, known locally as La Alameda Gardens, are a green oasis that has soothed soldiers, sailors, and townsfolk for more than two centuries. The story begins in 1816, when Governor General George Don, weary of Gibraltar鈥檚 heat and dust, decided the people needed a refuge鈥攁 place, as he put it, 鈥渇or recreation and refreshment.鈥� The site he chose was then an empty military parade ground. Under his command, it was transformed into a terraced garden shaded by palms and jacarandas, offering respite to both British officers and local residents. The word 鈥淎lameda,鈥� derived from Spanish, meaning a poplar-lined promenade, perfectly captured the governor鈥檚 vision of serenity amid the Rock鈥檚 fortifications.
An Italian landscape designer, Giuseppe Codali, later gave the gardens their romantic flourish in the 1870s. Legend has it that Codali, who was said to miss his native Lombardy鈥檚 greenery, poured his heart into reshaping Gibraltar鈥檚 stony slopes into something reminiscent of home. He created the Dell, a sunken Italian garden hidden beneath an arched bridge鈥攕till one of the most peaceful corners of the Alameda. During the 19th century, the gardens became the social heart of Gibraltar, hosting open-air concerts, public celebrations, and military parades. Locals recall that on warm evenings, the bandstand would fill with music while families strolled the terraces lit by lanterns.
By the late 20th century, the gardens had fallen into neglect but were lovingly restored in 1991, rekindling their old charm. Today, they are home to exotic plants from Africa and the Mediterranean, fountains and statues honoring Gibraltar鈥檚 past, and even a small wildlife park for rescued animals. For visitors, the Alameda Gardens are more than a botanical space鈥攖hey are a living reminder that nature, history, and community can thrive together, even beneath the shadow of the Rock.
An Italian landscape designer, Giuseppe Codali, later gave the gardens their romantic flourish in the 1870s. Legend has it that Codali, who was said to miss his native Lombardy鈥檚 greenery, poured his heart into reshaping Gibraltar鈥檚 stony slopes into something reminiscent of home. He created the Dell, a sunken Italian garden hidden beneath an arched bridge鈥攕till one of the most peaceful corners of the Alameda. During the 19th century, the gardens became the social heart of Gibraltar, hosting open-air concerts, public celebrations, and military parades. Locals recall that on warm evenings, the bandstand would fill with music while families strolled the terraces lit by lanterns.
By the late 20th century, the gardens had fallen into neglect but were lovingly restored in 1991, rekindling their old charm. Today, they are home to exotic plants from Africa and the Mediterranean, fountains and statues honoring Gibraltar鈥檚 past, and even a small wildlife park for rescued animals. For visitors, the Alameda Gardens are more than a botanical space鈥攖hey are a living reminder that nature, history, and community can thrive together, even beneath the shadow of the Rock.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Gibraltar. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Gibraltar Botanic Gardens on Map
Sight Name: Gibraltar Botanic Gardens
Sight Location: Gibraltar, Gibraltar (See walking tours in Gibraltar)
Sight Type: Park/Outdoor
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Gibraltar, Gibraltar (See walking tours in Gibraltar)
Sight Type: Park/Outdoor
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Gibraltar, Gibraltar
Create Your Own Walk in Gibraltar
Creating your own self-guided walk in Gibraltar is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Gibraltar Introduction Walking Tour
鈥淏urn your boats,鈥� ordered the Berber commander Tariq ibn Ziyad as his troops trembled before the towering Rock of Gibraltar in 711 AD. Having just crossed from North Africa with a small army to confront the Visigothic Kingdom, Tariq destroyed his ships to eliminate the option of retreat. With no way back, his men fought with determination and went on to conquer most of the Iberian Peninsula.... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
Rock of Gibraltar Walking Tour
You really can鈥檛 avoid the Rock of Gibraltar when visiting the British Overseas Territory on the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula. Just like the streets lined with British-style red phone booths and historical buildings, this prominent limestone rock formation, overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar from an elevation of 426 meters (1,398 feet) above sea level, creates a distinctive atmosphere... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.5 Km or 2.8 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.5 Km or 2.8 Miles