Gibraltar, the Mighty Rock

Gibraltar, also known as the Rock, is one of fourteen British Overseas Territories, and is located on the southern Iberian Coast, along the Straight of Gibraltar. Its location at the southern tip of Europe, where the Atlantic ends and the Mediterranean begins, is only 13 km (8 miles) from the northern tip of Africa.

A British territory since 1713, Gibraltar has the unique distinction of having the only airport runway in the world that is also a highway. It closes like a train crossing, when planes take off and land.

It is the home of the only Barbary macaque colony in Europe. They are quite tame and do not seem to be the least bit bothered by the curious people who flock around them. We were enjoying this breathtaking view when we heard a ruckus and turned to see two macaques having a disagreement. One chased the other up a steep hillside, and both came scurrying down and ran past, just a few feet from us. That was a little too close for comfort.

After WWII, the population dwindled to less than ten, but Winston Churchill came to the rescue and had additional ones brought over from North Africa. They are protected, vaccinated, and bothering them in anyway can result in a £2,500.00 fine.

Our taxi driver warned us not to touch them, and said that it is not uncommon for drivers to quickly change course, and rush someone to the hospital because they didn’t heed the warning, and received a bite. Ironically, just minutes after being warned, as we got out of the taxi to enjoy the view, we saw a woman reaching out to touch a mom and her little one; many people called out to her just before she touched the baby; whew! Our driver also said if it is determined that the warning was not given, drivers can lose their license; there’s no monkeying around about this!

Europa Point and Lighthouse is an interesting place to visit. The lighthouse, built in 1841, is situated where the Atlantic and Mediterranean meet. Here you’ll also find Harding’s Battery, Ibrahim-al-Ibrahim Mosque, and beautiful views.

St. Michael’s Cave is another interesting place to visit. Located in the Upper Rock Nature Preserve, it is believed that the Archangel Michael once appeared here.

The cave is illuminated with colorful lights that enhance the stalactites and stalagmites, and music befitting a cathedral is played to create a reverent, thoughtful setting.

It also has a theater that seats 600 guests. The cave is very popular and receives over one million visitors per year.

At some point in time it was thought that the cave was bottomless and that the macaques came to the Rock through an underground passageway; I think Churchill might have taken issue with this theory! As a side note, there are over 34 miles of tunnels in the Rock, mostly dug by the British Army, for storage and protective purposes.

As usual, I enjoyed wandering and taking photos.

Have you been to Gibraltar? If so, I’d love to hear your thoughts. We thoroughly enjoyed our short visit to the Rock, and hope to visit again someday.

Wishing you grand adventures,

Tricia