The name and its origins
Boschetti’s Steps takes its name from Giovanni (John) Maria Boschetti, an Italian architect and engineer who arrived from Genoa in 1784. Boschetti made significant contributions to Gibraltar’s civic works during a period of intense military and urban development. He helped shape the Rock’s infrastructure, from access ways and small engineering projects to broader improvements that made daily life easier in a place where steep slopes were the norm. The fact that this picturesque street still carries his name over two centuries later is a tribute to his impact and to Gibraltar’s long tradition of blending cultures and influences.
The character of the Steps
Physically, Boschetti’s Steps exemplifies the unique charm of Gibraltar’s Town Area. The passage is composed of narrow stone steps winding upward between traditional buildings, with railings and walls enclosing a sense of intimacy. Like many historic alleys here, the Steps were both practical - providing a shortcut between different levels of the town - and social, serving as a place where neighbours interacted daily.
Today, Boschetti’s Steps offers a glimpse of what Gibraltar once looked like before modern development spread across the lower town and reclaimed land. The mix of stone, whitewashed façades, and hanging balconies creates a Mediterranean village atmosphere right in the heart of the city. From higher vantage points nearby, you can also catch wonderful views across the Bay of Gibraltar, linking the cosy urban fabric to the dramatic seascape.
Freehold terraced houses - rare and valuable
For property seekers, Boschetti’s Steps holds a special appeal. Unlike many areas of Gibraltar, where leasehold arrangements dominate, here you can find a few terraced houses that are freehold. Freehold properties in Gibraltar are scarce and highly prized, offering buyers both security of tenure and long-term investment value. Most properties that are advertised as "freehold" or "virtual freehold" are infact long leases issued from Government land. A true freehold is held in perpetuity.
These terraced homes on Boschetti's Steps typically combine historic exteriors with modern interiors, creating a blend of character and comfort that’s ideal for residents who want to be close to the town centre while enjoying a quiet, authentic neighbourhood. Living here means being just a short walk from Main Street’s shops and restaurants, yet tucked away in a tranquil corner that feels worlds apart.
A blend of cultures in stone and street names
One of Gibraltar’s most fascinating aspects is its blend of cultures, reflected even in its street names. Some streets are named after trades, others after Spanish or English words, and some - like Boschetti’s Steps - after individuals who left their mark. This mosaic of names mirrors Gibraltar’s multicultural identity, shaped by Genoese, Spanish, Maltese, Jewish, and British influences over centuries.
Boschetti’s Steps is therefore not just a physical link between two levels of the Old Town - it is also a symbolic link to Gibraltar’s layered past. To walk here is to touch part of a story that spans empires, migrations, and local community life.
Everyday life and atmosphere
Despite its deep history, Boschetti’s Steps is very much alive today. Children have played here for generations, residents greet each other on their doorsteps, and the rhythm of daily life continues as it has for centuries. The lanes around New Pasage remain a neighbourhood in the truest sense, where people know their neighbours and enjoy a strong sense of belonging.
For those considering a home here, the atmosphere is one of community and authenticity. While new developments in Gibraltar offer luxury apartments and sweeping sea views, Boschetti’s Steps offers something different: a connection to heritage, a pedestrian-friendly setting, and the charm of traditional townhouses.
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Accessibility and connections
Location is another advantage. Boschetti’s Steps sits within easy reach of Main Street, Gibraltar’s central artery lined with shops, cafés, and offices. Schools, places of worship, and cultural sites are all within walking distance. The Upper Rock Nature Reserve is also nearby, meaning that hiking trails and panoramic viewpoints are only a short climb away.
This balance - being close to both urban amenities and natural escapes - makes Boschetti’s Steps especially appealing to those who value lifestyle as much as location.
Heritage preservation
Gibraltar takes pride in conserving its old buildings. Heritage organisations and the local government have made efforts to restore and maintain its unique stairways, alleys, and buildings. Boschetti’s Steps benefits from this approach: while modern conveniences have been added, the character of the street remains intact. For property owners, this means living in an area that is both historically significant and carefully looked after, ensuring its enduring charm.
A small lane with a big story
While Gibraltar is often celebrated for its grand fortifications and famous Rock, the smaller details - like Boschetti’s Steps - are equally important to its identity. This unassuming alley tells a story of immigration and engineering, of community and continuity. It reflects the way the Rock has always been a meeting point, not just for ships and armies, but for families, tradespeople, and neighbors.
For anyone considering property in Gibraltar, Boschetti’s Steps represents a rare opportunity: to own a piece of history, to enjoy the character of the old buildings, and to invest in one of the few places where freehold terraced houses still exist. It is a street that combines heritage with home, and past with present.
Today
Boschetti’s Steps is more than just an alley - it’s a living piece of Gibraltar’s story and a place where history and modern life come together beautifully. For buyers seeking charm, rarity, and authenticity, it is one of the Rock’s hidden treasures.
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Check out this five bed freehold terraced house with a fabulous roof terrace offered to the market exclusivly with Richardsons (click the image below for full details):
