Ever wondered how such a small place like Gibraltar secured its water supply? Here at Europa Point stands Nun’s Well. It is an ancient underground water reservoir. Its existence offers some of the earliest proof of artificial water systems in Gibraltar.
Nun’s Well is thought to have originated during the Moorish period. The name “Nun’s Well” may come from the nuns. They cared for the Shrine of Our Lady of Europe. This is another historic site nearby.
Let’s step back in time. Imagine the year is 1753. Governor Humphrey Bland orders Nun’s Well to be cleaned. The goal was to supply the military with fresh water. Skip forward to the early 1800s. Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent, becomes Governor of Gibraltar. His mission was to restore discipline among the troops. They were spending too much time drunk. He shut down most of the ninety-two taverns. Only three were allowed to serve soldiers. The Duke established a brewery next to Nun’s Well. This brewery used water from Nun’s Well to produce “a wholesome supply of Beer for the Troops”.
Later, in 1845, Spanish historian Ignacio López de Ayala described Nun’s Well. He noted its magnificent construction. He said it was difficult to tell whether it was Moorish or older. He described it as a trapezium shape. It was seventy-eight feet long. Its width varied between forty-two and forty-eight feet. It was eight feet high. Twenty-two pillars supported the roof. Steps led down into it. Ayala observed it was excavated in solid rock. He said the water was good and sweet all year. He also noted the cistern had suffered from time.
In 1988, the Royal Engineers built the castle-like structure we see today. This was part of a general restoration. The site of the old brewery became a military target practice area. Nun’s Well was thought to fill with water from the Beefsteak Fault. Now, experts believe it fills with rain. Street flushing and sea spray also contribute particularly during levanter winds.
However, Nun’s Well became a source of controversy in 2010. The government wanted to restore Europa Point. The Gibraltar Ornithological and Natural History Society made suggestions for landscaping. But irrigation wasn’t provided. Many plants died. Rubble was dumped on protected Gibraltar Sea Lavender. The society protested that the government ignored environmental advice.
Despite the controversies, Nun’s Well remains a significant landmark. It represents early efforts to secure a water supply. It also highlights the ongoing challenges of balancing development with environmental protection. The story of Nun’s Well reflects Gibraltar’s complex history. It is a story of ingenuity, adaptation, and the enduring quest for resources.