Alameda Botanical Gardens

Before 1814 the area consisted of a parade ground bearing the name of the Red Sands. The Alameda (the name is taken from Alamo which is the Poplar Tree) Gardens were planted on instruction from Lieutenant-Governor Sir George Don opened in 1816. They centred on the Grand Parade where British troops mustered for the famous Night Sortie. Today they were being restored using traditional methods and materials and upgraded into botanical gardens - the Gibraltar Botanical Gardens - that will combine the aesthetic beauty of the site with living exhibits of botanical interest and conservation value.

The gardens have a wooded appearance, with Mediterranean pines and olives forming the canopy and many specimens of Dragon Trees and Palms from the Atlantic Islands. Beds display flora from other sub-tropical areas, including Australia and Southern Africa. Feature plants include sizeable individuals of Far Eastern broad-leaved Podocarp, Australian Silk Oak, Cape Chestnut and Californian Parkinsonia. Of special interest is the large and growing collection of cacti and other succulent plants from around the world, which thrive in Gibraltar's warm climate. The gardens are centred around "The Dell", a peaceful area with definite Italian influence in which is displayed the coat of arms of Gibraltar and which holds a series of fountains, ponds and waterfalls. There are two monuments to important figures of history. One column supports a bust of General Sir George Augustus Eliott, later Lord Heathfield, another of the Duke of Wellington. Eighteen century mortars and guns adorn the squares around these columns.

It's a very peaceful and tranquil place to get away from the hustle and bustle of town life. The Alameda is also walking distance from the town centre and a stone's throw away from the Cable Car, which can take you all the way to the top of the Rock for some breath taking views.

If you have children with you they will love the Alameda, and you will feel rested knowing that they can run around with no danger from cars.

	Eliott's Monument
	Open Air Theatre
	Wellington's Monument