The sacking of Gibraltar by corsair pirates - Europa Point, Gibraltar
Posted by: 
razalas
N 36° 06.584 W 005° 20.779
30S E 288806 N 3998668
On the 10th of September 1540 corsair pirates landed in the area of Europa Point and sacking Gibraltar. This is can be read an the Europa point on a information sign in the Harding’s Battery.
Waymark Code: WMPJFM
Location: Gibraltar
Date Posted: 09/08/2015
Views: 16
The Historic marker reads:
"One of the more infamous and yet no less interesting events in Gibraltar's maritime history took place on the 10th of September 1540; the sacking of Gibraltar by corsair pirates. On this date the Turkish corsair Hali Hamat, a captain under the command of the feared pirate Barbarossa (or Redbeard), ed the assault on Gibraltar, guided by an Italian renegade called Caramanli. Knowing that most the town's male inhabitants were away from the Rock gathering crops in the hinterland, and availing themselves of the inside knowledge of several renegades who had previously been to Gibraltar, they landed in the area of Europa Point. Here they sacked the shrine of Our Lady of Europe, robbing it of all its valuables.
The continued looting down to the town, capturing many on the inhabitants (for sale as slaves). After sacking the city, the pirates left with their treasures and captives but were intercepted and defeated near Cartagena by a spanish fleet under the command of Bernardino Mendoza, which led to many of the captives being freed. This incident prompted Charles V, the Holy Roman Emperor, to send the Italian engineer Giovanni Battista Calvi to strengthen the defenses of the Rock in 1552. Perhaps the most well-known of calvi's improvements is what is today known as Charles V Wall thus protecting the city from possible future attacks from the south. This fortification can still be seen today zig-zagging its way to the top of the western side of the Rock."
Site Description: Historic marker
Date of Pirate Activity (Estimated): 10th of September 1540
Reference Web-link or Book Title: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Gibraltar#Barbary_pirate_raids_and_wars_with_other_European_powers
Site Admission (If needed): Free
Hours Available (If needed):
From dawn to dusk
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