Caves and Tunnels

Caves

There are over 200 caves in Gibraltar, some of which have proven to be valuable archeological sites as Neanderthals and early humans found them to be accommodating homes. The Gorham ’ s Cave Complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Gorham’s Cave has had two major excavations which have yielded valuable information and artefacts. The first dig occurred in the 1950’ s while a second began in the early ’90s.

Gorham’s Cave is difficult to reach from land as it is one of a number of caves formed by the sea at the southeastern tip of the Rock near Europa Point.There are stone tools and other artifacts left by humans and deposits which are Neanderthalic (40,000 B.C.) and Neolithic (6,000 B.C.) in origin.

Romans, Carthaginians, Phoenicians, and Moors left remains of camp fires, glass beads, broaches and lamps in the upper levels. Bones of animals that no longer live in the area, such as hyenas, lion and grey seals have been found.

Great Siege Tunnels

The Great Siege Tunnels, once known as the Upper Galleries, are one of Gibraltar ’ s most popular

tourist attractions.

During the Great Siege, (1779-1783) Spanish troops were gathered on the eastern side of the

Great Seige Tunnels Great Seige Tunnels

isthmus where they were sheltered from British fire by the Rock itself. A projection called “The Notch” on the northern face would have been an excellent place for a gun but the problem was how to get it up there.

Sergeant Major Ince offered to try to blast a way through the rock. Work commenced May 25, 1782 and after six weeks the troops had advanced 36 metres.

However, the air in the tunnel was thick with blasting fumes and it was clear that ventilation was needed.

A hole was blown in the side of the tunnel overlooking what is now La Linea and it was immediately realised that such a hole would prove a wonderful position for a gun. By the time peace was declared four guns had been mounted in prime positions overlooking the Spanish lines.

By the following June nearly 230 metres of tunnel had been excavated and “The Notch” was reached. A large chamber, now known as St George ’ s Hall, was hollowed out and embrasures were put in place.

The heavy guns were put into place with the aid of large iron rings attached to the rock by spike of over 30 centimetres long.

Molten lead was used as the adhesive.

Two large chambers, called magazines, were created in which to store gun powder. Considerable steps were taken to prevent accidental explosion. During the Great Siege the garrison used nearly 800 barrels of gun powder and fired 200,600 rounds of shot.

During World War II search lights and a generator were installed and a group of Royal Engineers were detailed to operate and maintain them. The Cornwall’ s Chamber, with three embrasures overlooking Western Beach, served as their living quarters and remains of the original access steps can still be seen.

Also during World War II the Holyland tunnel, which leads from St. George ’ s Hall to the eastern side of the Rock, was excavated.

Now, inside the tunnel 18 lifelike figures depict scenes from the time of the Great Siege.

Sound and visual effects bring to life what it would have been like to be in the caves when they were being used by the military.

Open 9.30am - 7.15pm daily.

Cost included in Nature Reserve fee.Tel: (+350) 20043832.

Great Seige Tunnels

Tunnels

The Tunnels through the rock, over 30 miles (48.28 km) are greater in length than the 27 miles of outside road in Gibraltar. Prior to World War II there were only seven miles of tunnels, and five of those were added just prior to the First World War. Some of the excavation after 1940 was done by the Royal Canadian Engineers who were pioneers in the use of diamond drill equipment. During World War II the longest and main tunnel was named “The Great North Road” as a tribute to them. The Engineers constructed an underground city with its own telephone exchanges, frozen meat stores, water distilleries and hospitals with enough provisions to be able to survive for six months in the chambers in the event of an attack by the Axis powers. One drive-through tunnel is easily accessed: the tunnel between Camp Bay and Europa Point.

Harley Street Tunnel across from the Royal Naval Hospital, leads to Gorts Hospital that was named after General The Viscount Gort of the Grenadier Guards who was the Governor of Gibraltar in 1941. Several hospitals were built inside the tunnels to be used in the event of an attack on Gibraltar during World War II.

Landport Tunnel was built by the Spanish in the late 16th century and was the only land entrance into Gibraltar. It was destroyed and had to be rebuilt in 1729.

The 1898 Tunnel to the

Dockyard is a half mile long tunnel and has recently housed the offices of the Maritime Headquarters and NATO communication centre. The offices were also used by General Eisenhower and his staff during World War II as they prepared the North African campaign “Operation Torch. ”

The tunnel was excavated to transport stones from the quarry to build the dockyards, which, at the time, was the biggest excavation in the world.

The quarry, situated where the oil tanks were, was worked by English and Scottish convicts.The Scots were called “Red Legs because their legs were sunburned because they wore kilts.