Sightseeing

SIGHTSEEING Europa Point Lighthouse

The Gibraltar Lighthouse, which has stood for over 150 years, is 162 feet in height from the high water mark to the light. It is perched on the cliffs at Europa Point, the most southerly point in Gibraltar, where its 3,000 watt light bulb reaches out 21 miles on a clear night. During a heavy fog it can only be seen for two miles. It is an important navigational signal for ships passing through the Strait of Gibraltar between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean.

The foundation stone was laid in 1838 by Lady Dowager Queen Adelaide three years prior to completion. In 1994 the Lighthouse, the only one managed by Trinity House outside Britain, was fully automated.

The Europa Point area is being refurbished and converted into one of Gibraltar ’ s leading leisure facilities for the enjoyment of residents and tourists.

These improvements are well under way, and have already improved the area visually.

Gibraltar, a City Under Seige

This exhibition, located on the Nature Reserve Upper Rock, shows what it was like for the

Europa Point Lighthouse

soldiers who lived in Gibraltar under siege.There is graffiti dating back to the 18

th

century as well as an old water system.

Opening times & prices, see pages 104-107.

Great Synagogue

The Great Synagogue, located on, Line Wall Road is one of the oldest in the Iberian peninsula, dating back to 1724. Guided tours of the ‘Flemish’ synagogue, accompanied by a short history of the Gibraltar Jewish community can be arranged. Tel: (+350) 20072606.

Ibrahim-Al-Ibrahim Mosque

The Ibrahim-al-Ibrahim Mosque, also known as the King Fahd bin Abdulaziz al-Saud Mosque or the Mosque of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. Located at Europa Point, this beautiful domed mosque was built in the mid1990s as a place of worship for Gibraltar ’ s Muslim community. It has an impressive tower that overlooks the Mediterranean.

Koehler Gun

The Koehler Depression Gun Carriage was designed by Lt. George Koehler R.A. in 1782 during the Great Siege (17791783) for firing down on the enemy from the North Face of the Rock. It was the first carriage of its type in the world. Tight wadding had to be used in the 24 pounder to stop the balls from rolling down the barrel.

The gun on display outside the Police Station, at Casemates, was presented to the City of Gibraltar by the Royal Artillery in April 1981 when the regiment was granted the freedom of the city.

Koehler Gun

Mediterranean Steps

Situated on one of the cultivated terraces above Jews Gate lies the pathway leading to the Mediterranean Steps. A right turn through a copse leads to the start of the walk.

If you park near the lookout, a sign on the side of a white building nearby indicates the way to the steps.

There are two sections to the

walk. The first part people of all ages can enjoy as it is an easy trail and only takes five to ten minutes.

From there you cross a stretch of loose rock then come to a set of steps going down. The second stretch, about 3/4 of the walk, is not extremely difficult but requires more effort, especially the climb up to the big guns.

On a hot day it can be somewhat demanding but when you reach the end of the climb, where the World War I gun emplacements are, you get spectacular views over the old water catchments and up the Costa del Sol.

For those interested in plants or bird watching, it is an excellent place to find a variety of specimens of both.

If you walk the full length it will take about an hour going and to return. A good pair of walking shoes is required and a cold drink is recommended.Anyone suffering from vertigo should avoid this walk.

The steps are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Military Heritage Centre

The Military Heritage Centre located on the Upper Rock contains an interesting variety of military artifacts housed in gun positions which pre-date World War I. It is located in Princess Caroline ’ s Battery, named after King George II’ s third daughter.

The development of Gibraltar ’ s military defences through the ages is chronicled and there are many relics from when the battery was in use.The original hoists, used to service the 6 inch gun that was put in place in 1905, are on display along with shells and artefacts from the period.Weapons used by the British army from the time of the Great Siege to present day are also on view.

In the Memorial Chamber there is the Roll Call of the Regiments that have served in Gibraltar since 1704. This display honours the men and women who dedicated themselves to serving Britain in the Armed Forces.

Opening times & prices, see pages 104-107.

Monuments

The AmericanWar Memorial

was erected in 1932 by the American Battle Commission to commemorate the co-operation between the American and British Navy at Gibraltar during World War I. Dr Paul Cret, of Philadelphia designed the archway monument and steps.

The Black Watch Memorial

is located at the eastern end of Devil’ s Tower Road. The Cairn

American War Memorial was erected as a memorial to the 4

th

BN The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) for their unrelenting work on the defences of the north and east sides of the Rock from July 1940 to April 1943 when the Battalion formed part of the garrison.

Commonwealth War Graves

Commission was established in 1917 to mark and maintain the graves of the members of the forces of the Commonwealth who were killed in World War I and to build memorials to those who have no known grave. In Gibraltar ’ s North Front Cemetery there is one plot of land dedicated to those who died in both World

Wars.

Eliott’s Monument, a column located in Alameda Gardens, is dedicated to General Sir George Augustus Eliott who defended Gibraltar heroically during the Great Siege. He was rewarded for his efforts with a pension of £1,500 a year, was given the Order of the Bath and the thanks of Parliament. The ceremonies for his investiture took place at King ’ s Bastion. Four years later he was given a peerage with the title Baron Heathfield of Gibraltar.

The Queen Victoria

Memorial is situated in Governor ’ s Parade and was unveiled on May 24, 1910 by Governor Sir F.W.E. Forestier-Walker. Set on a pillar of

Queen Victoria Memorial

limestone the bust is the work of the Italian sculptor Lazzarini.

The Sikorski Propeller is located at Europa Point. General Sikorski was Prime Minister of Poland during World War II, and Commander in Chief of the Polish Forces in exile. On July 4, 1943 his Liberator airplane crashed into the sea just after take off from the airport. Sikorski and his daughter both lost their lives, and her body was never found. First Lieutenant Edward Pichal, the pilot, was the sole survivor. A monument was made from the propeller of the aircraft in tribute to General Sikorski, but he is not mentioned on the plaque.

The Rooke Statue, located a l o n g watergardens on route to Main Street in honour of Admiral Sir George Rooke to commemorate 300 years of British Gibraltar.

Wellington’s

Monument in the Alameda Gardens is Sir George Rooke

protected by 18

th

and guns. century mortars

The monument was raised at a cost of a day ’ s pay by the entire garrison and from civilian employees in official employment and was put in place in 1819 by Governor Sir George Don. The bust was cast in bronze from guns captured by the Duke.

Nelson Statue, this true to life size statue, which stands outside the T r a f a l g a r Cemetery has been cast in bronze by the well-known sculptor John D o u b l e d ay, and contains copper taken from HMS Victory.

SIGHTSEEING Gibraltar National Museum

The Gibraltar National Museum is a must see for any visitor interested in finding out more about the rich and varied history of this Rock. The story of how Gibraltar gained an importance and a reputation far exceeding its size, and how this influenced and shaped the communities that came to reside here is told via a series of informative galleries that display a multitude of interesting and unique artefacts.

First to greet visitors are ‘Nana and Flint’ , the very life-like forensic reconstructions of the two Neanderthal fossil skulls discovered in Gibraltar in 1848 and 1926. Environmental reconstructions of Gibraltar during these prehistoric times, and some of the many artefacts found in subsequent excavations at Gorham ’ s and Vanguard Caves are on display.They attest to the Rock’ s international status as a site of world importance in terms of Neanderthal occupation and the Gorham ’ s Cave Complex was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016. Recent research by the Gibraltar National Museum has established that this was the last place on Earth where this kind of human held out before becoming extinct around 32,000

Neanderthal Skull

years ago. Also on display from Gorham ’ s Cave is a selection of intricate glassware and Egyptian scarabs from early Phoenician sailors who left offerings here before setting out into the unknown Atlantic Ocean.

The sculptures of animals, which once roamed Gibraltar at the time of the Neanderthals, are dotted around the museum ’ s garden. Excavations in this garden attest to the continued habitation of this plot by a succession of cultures and tell the story of water supply through the ages where it has been a historical problem for these people. Perhaps the most important and imposing of the exhibits are the remains of a 14th Century medieval Hammam, or bathhouse, being one of the best preserved remaining medieval baths in the Iberian Peninsula.

A series of new galleries looks at how, in periods of peacetime during the late 18th and 19th Centuries, the Rock became a hub of intellectual, cultural and sporting activities. Relics of this ‘ age of

Empire

’ include an Egyptian mummy, found floating in the Bay after the ship transporting it sank in the Strait, and of course, the cast of the world famous Gibraltar skulls belonging to an adult Neanderthal woman discovered at Forbes Quarry in 1848 and that of a Neanderthal boy discovered at Devil’ s Tower Shelter in 1926.

Visitors will be surprised to find a Maltese-made horse drawn carriage inside the building. This was the mode of transport in Gibraltar before cars become popular and its Maltese design is testament to the melting pot of nationalities and cultures that settled in Gibraltar after the Capture of Gibraltar by an Anglo-Dutch fleet in 1704, and which have made the Gibraltarians of today.

A notable period in Gibraltar ’ s history is its Great Siege (17791783), during which a small Garrison and population held off attacks from the combined forces of France and Spain for three and a half years, and there is an entire section of the Museum dedicated to this important event with original artefacts and paintings from that time.

Another gallery houses the impressive scale model of the Rock completed in 1865, which is a snapshot of what Gibraltar looked like at the height of the Victorian Empire, when the phrase ‘Strong as the Rock’ echoed across the world as a statement of inexpugnability. Early photographs of Gibraltar showing its evolution over the last century surround the model.

A natural history exhibit tells the story of the past and present birds of Gibraltar and how the Strait of Gibraltar, has been and continues

to be, such an important migratory route for birds between Europe and Africa as well as between the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic

Ocean.

Finally, the temporary gallery displays itinerating artefacts of interest.

The Museum also has a gift shop which stocks a wide range of Gibraltar-related books and souvenirs. Last admission: 30 minutes before closing time.

Opening times & prices, see pages 104-107. Moorish Castle

Moorish Baths

The Moorish Baths are located inside the Museum lying partly under Bomb House and Ordnance

House, and recently opened to the public after extensive restoration and excavation.The architecture of this ancient structure has now been revealed to show a much more complete picture of a previous culture.

There are no baths where one can clean oneself, which has disappointed many tourists who have shown up with their towels.

Mr. Budgett, an authority on

Moorish Baths

Moorish antiquities wrote of the baths, “Except in the Alhambra there is nothing in Spain to compare with it. ”

Gorham’s Cave Complex

The Gorham ’ s Cave Complex was inscribed onto UNESCO’ s World Heritage List in 2016 and is Gibraltar ’ s first site to be inscribed on the prestigious list.

The site is a Neanderthal occupation site, used between c. 127,000 and 32,000 years ago. On the east side of the Rock of Gibraltar, the site rises from sea level where several caves including Gorham ’ s and Vanguard are located, to the highest point of the Rock, 426 metres above the sea at the top of the Mediterranean Steps. The site covers 280,000m2, or 3% of Gibraltar ’ s land area.The Gibraltar Nature Reserve acts as a buffer zone for the Site. Together the site and buffer zone equate to over 40% of the territory of Gibraltar. The topography and steep cliffs make the area relatively secluded and well-protected.

Moorish Castle

The Tower of Homage is one of the best preserved remnants of the Moorish Castle and dates back more than six centuries. (A much older castle exists beneath this latest tower of 1333 AD). The original walls of the castle enclosed a considerable area reaching to the sea. Of these walls, the Moorish Pier is still to be seen. Tarik-ibn-Zeyad (who gave his name to Gibraltar, Jebel Tarik or Tarik’ s Hill) was the Moorish leader who conquered much of the Iberian Peninsula. He took Gibraltar in 711 and in the following two years completed the conquest which would put a large portion of Europe in Arab hands for over seven centuries. Tarik’ s successors built the first

fortifications near the site of the present tower. A larger castle replaced these in 1160 to provide protection to the growing town.

The fortifications were needed as war was continuous throughout the period that the Arabs held the land. King Ferdinand IV of Castille and Leon attacked Gibraltar in 1309 and captured it but the Rock was only held for 24 years before the Moors retook it.

The battles of 1333 did extensive damage to the tower so it was rebuilt and this helped keep the Spanish at bay for another 129 years.What remains the gatehouse, walls and bastions dates from that period, which is contemporary with the Alhambra in Granada.

When the British took Gibraltar the Spanish attempted to recapture the Rock several times. Their artillery fire made little impression on the solid mass of masonry. Admiral Rooke raised the British flag on the Tower when he captured it in 1704 and it has flown there ever since.

The Inner Keep was used by the British as a prison, there are plans to open the area. The new prison opened in 2010 and its located at Windmill Hill. However there are parts of the castle that are open to visitors.

Opening times & prices, see pages 104-107.

Top of the Rock

SIGHTSEEING Nelson’s Anchorage and 100 Ton Gun

Nelson ’ s Anchorage, at the far end of Rosia Road, is a fascinating monument to Victorian artillery and technology. It has commanding views across Rosia Bay where HMS Victory was anchored after the Battle of Trafalgar with the body of Admiral Lord Nelson on board. In 1805 the bay was the only deep water anchorage in Gibraltar.

The present battery was constructed between December 23, 1878 and March 31, 1884 at a cost of £35,717. Built on the site of the old 2

nd and 3

rd

Rosia Batteries it was named after then Governor, Lord Napier of Magdala.

An exhibition is housed in the chambers that form part of a large underground complex serving the magnificent Victorian super gun, the 100 Ton Gun.

Nicknamed “The Rock Buster ” the gun was built in 1870 and remains the best preserved of its type in the world. Installation was a very laborious task taking three weeks to transport it barely one third of a mile from the docks to its present emplacement.

Once in place a sophisticated hydraulic system was devised to move the gun. Response time was close to three hours, which today may sound inadequately slow, but as the prime targets were sailing ships prior to the invention of the steam engine, it was sufficient.

Although much of the gun would have been familiar to a gunner in Nelson ’ s navy it also had many revolutionary features. For example it was not fired by igniting a fuse but by heating platinum with electricity from a battery.

Designed during a period of rapid advance in artillery technology the 100 ton gun was soon obsolete - having never fired a shot in anger.

100 Ton Gun

The site remained strategic and four 3.7 inch anti-aircraft guns were mounted here during World War II. Bren guns were mounted in a passage which had been made for one of the giant hydraulically powered ramrods.

More detailed information is available at the exhibition, along with an interesting range of souvenirs.

Opening times & prices, see pages 104-107.

Harding’s Battery

This battery was constructed on part of the old 7th Europa Battery and in between the later 1st and 2nd Europa Batteries of 1859, named after Sir George Harding, Chief Engineer in 1844. Originally, two 18 pounders were located on site.In 1863 there were two 32 pounders located here and 1877 saw the reconstruction of the battery to take a 12.5” RML on a barbette mounting. There is no record of when the 12.5” gun was dismounted but by 1939 the site housed an AASL (Anti Aircraft Searchlight). The battery now houses a visual and audio display of the historic and natural aspects of Gibraltar with particular focus on the area it is located in,Europa Point.

Rings

When you are on the Upper Rock you will probably notice a series of rings along the roads.

These rings were used to anchor pulleys to haul guns to the top of the Rock. The 9.2 inch gun barrel for the O’Hara Battery was conveyed to its position in this manner.

St Michael’s Cave

This cave is one of Gibraltar

’ s most famous attractions. Neolithic inhabitants are thought to be the first inhabitants of St Michael’ s Cave, and it is known that the Romans visited it. The cave features an upper hall and has five connecting passages with drops which range between 40 to 150 feet to the smaller hall. Of particular interest is the cross section of a stalagmite which shows its history of growth. The Cathedral Cave was long thought to be bottomless, which may be why some people once believed in an underground passage which linked Gibraltar with Africa. The Cathedral Cave is now used as a theatre where concerts, plays and other live performances are held.

During World War II the cave was to be used as a military hospital but, fortunately, was never needed. However, whilst mining during World War II, Lower St Michael’ s Cave was discovered.

Opening times & prices, see pages 104-107.

St. Michael’s Cave

Shrine of Our Lady of Europe

The Moors built a mosque on the site of the present Shrine of Our Lady of Europe before 1309. This was when the Spanish occupation of Gibraltar began and until 1333 the Islamic holy site was used as a Christian shrine. A labourer working nearby in the late 1900s found an image of the Madonna which dates from that period.

In 1333, the Spanish were expelled by the Moors who reconverted the site to a mosque.

For another 100 years it was a holy place for Islam but when the Spanish “ reconquista ” was completed in 1462 the shrine once again became Christian.

After this, the shrine was attacked and partially destroyed by Turkish pirates and then, during the British and Dutch seizure of Gibraltar in 1704 the Image of Our Lady was badly damaged and thrown over a cliff into the sea.

It was later recovered and taken to Algeciras for safe keeping where it remained until 1864, when Bishop Scandella brought the image back from Algeciras and it was placed in a temporary shrine in a chapel opposite the present Government House on Main Street.

In 1866 it was moved to the

Shrine of Our Lady of Europe

Little Sister of the Poor, where Mount Alvernia Home now stands.The marble altar and throne were donated by Pope Pius IX.

Because of war, it was taken to the Cathedral of St. Mary the Crowned in 1939 for safekeeping.

In 1961 the guard room was restored to the church and in September of the following year Bishop John F. Healy celebrated the first mass there in 258 years.

However, it was not until 1968 that the image was returned to the shrine.

The present chapel, small but solidly built, is located in a housing development at Europa Point. The way is clearly marked and is not difficult to find. In 1996 the building was extended and a bell tower added.

In 2009, Gibraltar celebrated the 700

th

anniversary of devotion to Our Lady of Europe. His Holiness the Pope gave the Shrine the Golden Rose, the highest Papal award for any shrine.

Opening times & prices, see pages 104-107.

Trafalgar Cemetery

In October 1805 one of history ’ s greatest sea battles was fought between the British and Franco-Spanish fleets near Gibraltar at Cape Trafalgar.

It was a fierce and decisive

victory for Britain but their great leader, Admiral Nelson, was fatally wounded by a French sniper.

Most of the sailors who died in battle were buried at sea, and two sailors who died of wounds in the battle are buried at Trafalgar Cemetery near Southport Gates.

Nelson ’ s body, however, was returned to England for greater honours. He is entombed in a crypt in St. Paul’ s Cathedral.

The HMS Victory called on Gibraltar immediately after the battle. One story has it that Nelson ’ s remains were kept in a barrel of rum to preserve them for the return journey to England.

Another legend would have us believe,though there is no evidence to support it, that while theVictory was undergoing repairs the cask containing Nelson ’ s body was brought ashore and taken to St.Vincent House. It was placed in what is now known as Nelson ’ s room where William Beaty, Victory ’ s surgeon changed the barrel of brandy (as some believe it was) to spirits of wine.

Trafalgar Cemetery

Cable Car

The Cable Car is the best way to the “Top of the Rock” and a must-see attraction for all visitors to Gibraltar. The journey takes passengers 412m above sea level in approximately 6 minutes offering spectacular views all the way. The Top Station is perched at the very summit of the Rock of Gibraltar, and offers the most spectacular views of Europe and Africa; southwards across the Strait of Gibraltar to Africa; westwards over the City of Gibraltar and across the Bay to Algeciras; a bird’ s eye view of Gibraltar airport and Spain to the north; and the blue expanse of the Mediterranean and the beaches and cities of the Costa del Sol to the East.

As well as meeting the famous Barbary macaques who can be found roaming freely around the Top Station, you can experience the Multimedia Tour, available for download to your own mobile device via the CityGuide Gibraltar app. The guide gives visitors an insight into Gibraltar ’ s fascinating history whilst being guided around the Top Station terraces.

If you are looking for a quick bite to eat, you can pick up a snack and drink at the Top of the Rock Café where you will also find The Top of the Rock Shop packed with unique gifts and souvenirs.

Cable Car

Should you want to relax and enjoy a delicious meal we recommend the Mons Calpe Suite Restaurant & Bar where you can enjoy a fabulous meal and cocktail whilst enjoying the spectacular views.

Mons Calpe Suite can be hired for private functions so why not celebrate a wedding or a special occasion at the Top of the Rock.

Visitors have access to the Upper Rock Nature Reserve from the Cable Car top station, however, you will need to purchase a separate Walkers or Nature Reserve ticket (depending on what you are interested in seeing). These can be purchased at the base station ticket office or at the top station. We recommend you pre purchase your tickets via the official Cable Car website www.gibraltarinfo.gi. Prepaid tickets give you access to the Fast Track ticket office window and the Frontier-Cable Car shuttle service.

Infomation

Open 7 days a week from 0930-1915hrs. Last Cable Car down 1945hrs.

Except between 1st November - 31st March 0930-1715hrs. Last Cable Car down 1745hrs.

The Cable Car will not stop at the middle station between the April & October inclusive. No reservation needed. Cable Car runs approx. every 10 - 15 mins throughout the day. ID required in exchange for use of Multimedia unit. For latest updates follow us on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram #cablecargibraltar. For prices please refer to www.gibraltarinfo.gi

Nature Reserve Upper Rock

With its rich vegetation, spectacular views and large variety of mammals, insects, butterflies, reptiles and birds, both serious botanists and the casual ramblers find the Nature Reserve Upper Rock a source of fascination.

It is a great place for bird watchers, especially during times of migration as a large number of species move between Europe and Africa over this area. Over 270 birds have been spotted in Gibraltar. Booted Eagles, Egyptian Vultures, the Griffon Vulture and Barbary Partridges are among the many that have been seen.

There are over 600 species of flowering plants some of which are unique to Gibraltar. Dense matorall is the dominant species on the upper rock and there are many plants that are unique to Gibraltar. The Dwarf Fan Palm,Europe ’ s only native palm can be found here.

There are rare, and not so rare butterflies, lizards and snakes.

As from 1st April 2020 the Nature Reserve Ticket will include entrance to the WWII

Tunnels. The Nature Reserve ticket can be purchased here online, at the Cable Car and at the Gibraltar info kiosk on the Spanish side of the frontier.

Opening times & prices, see pages 104-107.

Windsor Bridge

Windsor Bridge

SIGHTSEEINGSIGHTSEEING

The Windsor Bridge

Gibraltar

’ s tourist attraction is definitely not for the fainthearted, but more intrepid residents and visitors can visit the suspension bridge at Royal Anglian Way. This spectacular feat of engineering is 71metres in length, across a 50-metre-deep gorge.

Skywalk

Standing 340 metres directly above sea level, the Skywalk is located higher than the tallest point of London ’ s The Shard.

Gibraltar

’ s Skywalk offers breathtaking 360º views spanning three countries and two continents and links to other sites within the Upper Rock Nature Reserve including the thrilling Windsor Suspension Bridge and the famous Apes ’ Den via a series of walking trails.

Built on the foundations of an existing WWII base structure, the Skywalk is designed to withstand wind speeds of over 150km/hour and can carry the weight of 5 Asian elephants, or 340 people, standing on it at the same time (visitor numbers will be limited to 50 at any one time).The floor and balustrade panels are made up of 4 layers of laminated glass (with a total thickness of around 4.2cm).

Laid out side-by-side, the 42 glass panels would cover more than

Skywalk