A
lot has happened over the years in the 7 square kilometres that make up
Gibraltar. Originally settled by the Moors, then conquered by the Spanish and
later becoming a British Overseas Territory, Gibraltar has seen many conflicts
and the country today is a fascinating mix of several influences. There are
lots of things to see, and the good news for those short on time is that
everything is very close together.
Having
first visited Gibraltar as a child, I can guarantee a visit to see the
Gibraltar rock apes will create lifelong memories. It was great to revisit
recently and see the apes continuing to thrive on top of the Rock. The evidence
of Gibraltar’s turbulent history is also bound to inspire young imaginations.
The endless cannons seemed to excite my brother.
Attractions
in Gibraltar
Ape’s
Den
Almost
as famous as the rock itself, Gibraltar’s characterful rock apes rule the nature reserve
on top of the rock (and a few pop down to the bottom to say hello too!) At the top station there are photo panels introducing
individual members of the troop of Barbary Macaques, but there are several more
to meet. The apes stroll around their visitors, casually sizing them up to
determine if they have any food worth stealing. Plastic bags seem to attract
attention, beware!
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| Walking with Gibraltar's rock apes |
The Gibraltar Cable
Car
At
just over 400 metres tall, climbing up to the top of the Rock of Gibraltar is
not for the feint hearted. Fortunately two cable cars carry visitors to the
top, from which it is a pleasure to stroll back down. Road surfaced paths lead
up to the top, but are very steep in places.
St
Michael’s Cave
Thought
to be around 195 million years old, St Michael’s Cave is a large cave in the
Gibraltar Nature Reserve. The cave is so large it contains tiered seating and
concerts are held inside. The cave boasts spectacular limestone stalactites and
stalagmites, all illuminated in changing colours that almost give the
impression of movement.
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| St Michael's Cave, Gibraltar |
Tunnels
– The Great Siege and World War II
There
are two tunnel networks that run through the Rock of Gibraltar. The first, and
higher, tunnels are those of the Great Siege of Gibraltar in 1779 - 1783. A
main tunnel leads through the rock to several significant chambers, and
eventually through to the other side of the Rock. Apparently there was a time
when 16,000 people lived inside this tunnel network. Today it contains
information about the construction and purpose of the tunnels, and waxworks to
bring history to life. Further down the Rock, tunnels developed during the
Second World War can also be visited.
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| Tunnels through the Rock of Gibraltar |
City
under siege exhibition
While
the exhibitions in the tunnels focus on the military angle, the City Under
Siege exhibition explains what life was life for regular inhabitants of the
City of Gibraltar. It explores what food was available to locals, what punishments were enforced to criminals and grisly, but thought-provoking, information about disease and death. Waxworks and information panels are placed in and around
ruined buildings, making the siege uncomfortably ‘real’.
Moorish
Castle
Little
remains of the Moorish Castle that stood at the base of the Rock of
Gibraltar in Medieval times, and which was originally much larger. The high fortress tower remains and
from the top of the tower some of the nearby city walls can also be seen, but
little else remains. Within the tower structure there is a room that was
thought to be a muslim prayer room, and then changed to a chapel by captors.
During times of conflict when a bell rang it signalled the population should
flee to the safety of the castle. It is questionable just how safe it was however,
as there was little food available and, holding so many, the castle became rife
with disease.
Old
Town
At
the base of the north-western side of the Rock is Gibraltar’s Old Town,
occupying the area which the castle used to encompass. Branching south-west
from a large square, narrow streets weave among historic buildings (often
flanked by cannons), several monuments and lots of duty free shops, making it
an interesting place to stroll. Britain’s influence is very clear in town. Several
large British chain stores such as Mothercare and Marks and Spencers line the
main street in Gibraltar, and there is even a British Home Stores. Since
Gibraltar is not part of the European Union goods are sold free of VAT, but
some Gibraltar taxes can apply. Being outside the EU also means you can buy
antibiotics in the pharmacy without a prescription, which is very handy if you
know what is wrong with you. Old-fashioned British street signs are in place
around town (the black signs with brass / gold edging), and traditional red
Victorian post boxes can be seen too.
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| Gibraltar Old Town |
Things
to remember when visiting Gibraltar
Passports
Despite
Gibraltar having long been a thorn in Spain’s side (as Spain considers it to be
part of Spain’s territory), it is very simple to cross the land border from
Spain but, while it feels just like Europe, it is important to remember
passports. If you take a pet you will also need to take their pet passport.
Currency
Gibraltar
uses Gibraltar pounds. They have the same value as British pounds, but will not
be accepted back in Britain, so use up as much of the local currency as you can
before leaving.
Have
you been to Gibraltar? Is there anything you would add to this list?
