The South Mole a silent sentinel stands guard. Its imposing structure a testament to human ingenuity and the relentless power of the sea.
This is the South Mole in Gibraltar. More than just a breakwater it’s a vital part of this historic harbor. For centuries ships have sought shelter here. The South Mole has witnessed it all. From humble beginnings as the New Mole its story is one of expansion and adaptation.
Originally started by the Spanish in 1620 it was later extended many times. Reaching a length of 1400 feet it was constructed of rubble stone. The New Mole Extension added another 2700 feet around the turn of the 20th century. This created the South Mole we see today. But the length wasn’t always as it is now. In 1911 the total length was reported as 4100 feet. That’s longer than the Gibraltar Port Authority reported a hundred years later.
The construction of the South Mole was no easy feat. A railway and two tunnels were built to transport the vast quantities of stone. One tunnel ran by Camp Bay and the other under Parson’s Lodge Battery.
The South Mole isn’t just a historical marvel. It’s a working part of Gibraltar’s harbor. The Gibdock shipyard and Royal Naval base are nearby. Repair berths along the mole can accommodate massive vessels weighing up to 150000 deadweight tonnage.
The South Mole also holds a darker chapter in its history. In 1916 the SS Rosslyn a steamship over 3600 tons met a tragic end. Gale-force winds battered it against the newly completed mole. Despite the valiant efforts of Royal Navy tugs it sank. The remains are still a popular dive site today.
Today as you stand here you are standing on history. You are witnessing a structure that has shaped Gibraltar’s destiny. The South Mole a place where the past and the present intertwine. A testament to human resilience and the enduring power of the sea. A silent story of a historical landmark.