Experiences in Gibraltar
An Art Walk
Casemates is a good starting point with the Fine Arts Gallery on the first floor of the former barracks showcasing temporary exhibitions. Here you can sample the work of some of the more prominent, current local artists and groups, with international artists also using the venue.
From the Square we take you up Casemates Hill to Montagu Bastion, to the Gibraltar Exhibitions of Modern Art Gallery, GEMA. Here you can enjoy around 50 artworks, many previous winners of the three main art competitions held annually in Gibraltar. GEMA is also home to six works of internationally acclaimed Gibraltarian artist Christian Hook. A varied collection, which includes sculptures, video, installation and photography.
You can continue your walk through Irish Town before arriving at John Mackintosh Square where you will find the City Hall. This building has an interesting history in its own right and houses the Mario Finlayson National Art Gallery, established in 2015. This Gallery is dedicated to four deceased artists, Gustavo Bacarisas, Jacobo Azagury, Leni Mifsud, and Rudesindo mania, considered to be the most renowned and prolific local artists of the time. It also pays tribute to the work of Mario Finlayson, the artist who has been the main campaigner for a National Gallery in Gibraltar.
Spirit of the Rock Distillery Tours
HIGHLIGHTS
• Visit the Distillery, smell the botanicals used in Campion Gin. Learn how to make , and bottle gin • Experience the changing tastes of gin through the ages • Learn fun facts about Gibraltar’s and Gin’s colourful and parallel histories
WHAT YOU GET
GUIDED TOUR
The tour will deepen your knowledge of gin and how it is has been linked to Gibraltar’s rich history e.g George’s Lane was first cited in the records soon after 1704 when the British and the Dutch took possession of the Rock, emboldened by their ration of “Dutch courage” aka Gin.
GIN TASTING
Once you have learnt how the botanicals are combined to create our Campion London Dry Gin, we will move on to allow you to develop your knowledge, sampling various hand made spirits from Gins interesting past. Hopefully at the end you will better appreciate the art of the Distiller, and enjoy your Gin even more in the future.
Casinos
Both of Gibraltar’s casinos are located within the popular location of Ocean Village.
Admiral Casino offers a Casino Zone, Poker Magic Lounge, Coral Sports Lounge, 460 Seat Gala Bingo Club, Magic Zone, 170 Jackpot Slot Machines, Chargrill Restaurant, Cocktails on the Sun Terrace, below zero Ice Line Bar & multi screen popular Sports Bar.
Sunborn Casino – Enjoy a first-class gaming experience in a truly unique setting. All the comforts of a first-class super-yacht hotel are at your disposal including table-side service from a dedicated cocktail bar that only serves casino members and guests. Casino players are welcome to enjoy Sunborn Gibraltar’s other facilities, too – including the top-deck Sky Restaurant & Bar or Infinity Spa.
City Centre shopping
Gibraltar welcomes millions of tourists every year and, whether they come to sample the fine cuisine, its natural beauty or sporting pursuits, many of them will head to Main Street, Irish Town, Engineer Lane and other quirky side streets that form the centre of Gibraltar’s commercial district and is the scene of some of the best value shopping on the Mediterranean.
Gibraltar has a history of shopkeepers and traders that dates back to the 1800s when the Rock flourished as a trading port boosted by its strategic, geographic location. During this period the modern identity of the Gibraltarian people evolved through a mixed population of Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Jewish and Moorish communities. Gibraltar remains home to many descendant families who established their businesses during this period and their shops are still visible in Gibraltar’s busy shopping centre. Gibraltar is a VAT free jurisdiction, goods sold in Gibraltar offer the best value and the currency is the Gibraltar Pound, equivalent to Sterling, so there is no costly currency conversion for visitors from the United Kingdom.
Along with the more traditional shops, visitors to Main Street will recognise British and international high street brands and chains. These sit alongside handicraft and souvenir shops. Popular purchases include cosmetics and perfumery, jewellery, tobacco and spirits, designer glass frames, specialist linens and electronics. For souvenirs and a taste of local life, head to Casemates Square where you’ll find local artisan shops. Inaugurated in 1929, the Gibraltar Public Market, just outside Casemates Square, is a traditional indoor market with a range of fish, fruit, vegetables and local delicacies. It’s a great place to people watch and get into the local spirit.
