Historic central square of Gibraltar, named after philanthropist John Mackintosh.
John Mackintosh Square, locally called the Piazza, is the main square of Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory. It has been the centre of city life since the fourteenth century and is named after local philanthropist John Mackintosh. Notable buildings on the square include the Gibraltar Parliament building and City Hall.
John Mackintosh Square, often colloquially known as the Piazza, is the principal square in Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory. It has served as the centre of the city since the fourteenth century. The square lies west of Main Street, formerly known as Calle Real. During the period of Spanish rule it was originally called Plaza Mayor, sometimes referred to as Gran Plaza, and later became known as Alameda. In the early centuries of British rule the square was used for military parades, giving rise to the name the Parade. Over time the square acquired its present name in honour of John Mackintosh, a local philanthropist. Several important public buildings stand on John Mackintosh Square. The most notable are the Gibraltar Parliament building and Gibraltar City Hall, which front directly onto the square and emphasise its role as a civic and political focus. In 1939 excavation work began beneath the square to build air‑raid shelters for the civilian population during the Second World War. No earlier buildings were uncovered, indicating that the site had remained an open square for more than six centuries. Parts of the former wartime shelters are now used as public toilets.
