Rosia Bay

Rosia Bay
An old postcard depicting Rosia Bay circa 1909, with Parson's Lodge Battery (left) and Victualling Yard (centre).
Location
Country	Gibraltar
Location	Bay of Gibraltar
Coordinates	36°07′18″N 5°21′11″W / 36.1218°N 5.3531°W / 36.1218; -5.3531Coordinates: 36°07′18″N 5°21′11″W / 36.1218°N 5.3531°W / 36.1218; -5.3531
Details
Owned by	Government of Gibraltar
Type of harbor	Natural/Artificial
Piers	one (Rosia Mole)

Rosia Bay is the only natural harbour in Gibraltar, the British Overseas Territory at the southern end of the Iberian Peninsula. Formerly referred to as Rosia Harbour, it is located on the southwest side of Gibraltar. Rosia Bay was the site of the Royal Navy Victualling Yard complex which was constructed in the early 19th century, allowing vessels to anchor and obtain provisions, including food and water. Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson obtained supplies for his Mediterranean Fleet at Rosia Bay. It was to that same anchorage that his vessel HMS Victory was towed after Nelson's death in the 1805 Battle of Trafalgar. The area is also the location of gun batteries, including Parson's Lodge Battery at the south end of the bay and Napier of Magdala Battery at the north end. In the 21st century, Rosia Bay was the focus of controversy following the government's demolition of the historic Rosia Water Tanks and construction of the affordable housing development Nelson's View, which necessitated the relocation of the owners of the adjacent 19th century Rosia Cottages.

Rosia Bay is located along the southwestern coast of Gibraltar, the British Overseas Territory at the southern end of the Iberian Peninsula. It represents Gibraltar's only natural harbour, and was formerly known as Rosia Harbour, the site of the previous Rosia Swimming Club. The bay was named after , a monastery town in northern Italy.

Until 2006, Rosia Bay was the site of the 19th century Victualling Yard complex, which included the Victualling Yard, Rosia Water Tanks, and Rosia Mole. That year, the historic Rosia Water Tanks were demolished by the Government of Gibraltar, despite vocal public opposition, to enable construction of a large building, Nelson's View, which contained affordable housing units. While the Victualling Yard and the Rosia Mole remain intact, the entrance to the Victualling Yard complex is the only portion that has been listed with the Gibraltar Heritage Trust.