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.

Gorham’s Cave Complex World Heritage Site and Tours
The Gorham’s Cave Complex is the name given to the area covering some 28 hectares on the eastside of Gibraltar from sea level to the top of the Rock. In July 2016, it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its exceptional testimony to the occupation, cultural traditions and material culture of Neanderthal and early modern human populations through a period spanning approximately 120,000 years. The striking cluster of sea level caves contain archaeological deposits that provide evidence of Neanderthal and early modern human occupation of Gibraltar, and the landscape setting and natural species which assist in presenting the natural resources and environmental context, including climatic conditions, of Neanderthal life. The Gibraltar Nature Reserve forms part of the buffer zone to the WH site and together they represent over 40% of the territory of Gibraltar.

Gibraltar has a longstanding association with the Neanderthals. The first complete skull was found and presented to the Gibraltar Scientific Society by Lieutenant Edmund Flint of the Royal Artillery in 1848 – eight years before the famed remains found in the Neander Valley near Dusseldorf in Germany, which gives its name to these people. A second skull – the Devil’s Tower Child – was found in Gibraltar in 1926.

The Gorham’s Cave Complex is of major significance in understanding the global story of human evolution and adaptation. Gorham’s and Vanguard Caves have been archaeologically excavated over the past 26 years, and results have shown that Gibraltar was last refuge for the Neanderthals around 32,000 years ago.. An international, multi-disciplinary research project has revealed the vital importance of the site in our understanding of a critical juncture in human evolution and of the Neanderthals in particular. Now there is a wealth of information on where and how the Neanderthals and early modern humans lived and behaved, what plants, birds and animals they were familiar with and ate, where they acquired materials for their tools and what their environment was like. There is evidence of their complex social behaviour, dress and unique elements including a rock engraving carved by the Neanderthals in Gorham’s Cave, which indicate their ability for abstract thought.

TOURS OF GORHAM’S CAVE
Gorham’s and Vanguard Caves are spectacularly sited on the eastern shore of Gibraltar, and visiting them is a very memorable experience. However, they are moderately difficult/difficult to access on foot. No visits are allowed within 48 hours of bad weather, and visits may have to be postponed at short notice if the weather is adverse.

Areas of the sea cave complex that can be visited and numbers of visitors allowed may vary from time to time. The standard tour, for up to 5 people, is to the entrance of Gorham’s Cave, but not inside, in order to protect the fragile archaeological deposits. All visits must be escorted by guides from the Gibraltar National Museum.

Mediterranean Steps
Mediterranean Steps is a steep, at times arduous, walk and is not for people without a head for heights. Early mornings are usually preferable, but during the summer months a late afternoon walk will provide the visitor with plenty of much-needed shade. The area is particularly appealing during the spring, when the visitor is greeted by an interesting and very beautiful array of flowers. Mediterranean Steps take the walker from Jews’ Gate on the southern end of the Nature Reserve at 180m above sea level, up towards O’Hara’s Battery at 419m, close to the summit of the Rock.

The path runs mainly along the eastern side of the Rock, an area that is comprised primarily of cliffs and low Mediterranean scrub. The walk starts beside Jew’s Gate Cemetery, leading south through some dense maquis, which gradually opens out, from which the walker is afforded a spectacular view of North Africa across the Strait. From here, we continue along a narrow path that borders along the edge of cliffs and at this point we begin to appreciate the silence and serenity that this path has to offer, and the cries of the yellow-legged gulls are frequently all that can be heard. Carrying on north along this path past the steps leading upwards, we begin to ascend a steep flight of steps that leads to the Goat’s Hair Twin Caves – it is amazing to consider that these caves, were once at sea level! Excavations and research work indicate that prehistoric people once lived on the Rock and inhabited many of our caves, including those found on Mediterranean Steps which is in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continuing the climb, we reach a building that was constructed by the military during WWII. Here, we finish the first flight of steps, and commence a path that leads through a small tunnel and on towards some WWII fortifications.

We now reach a platform that offers the visitor a unique view northwards. The path winds its way upward, and starts to get steeper. Looking up towards the top of the Rock, we can now see the zig-zagging stairway that hugs the cliff and leads to the end of the walk. Here, we also encounter another set of WWII fortifications. Following the track, the walker arrives at the base of the cliff, where the final flight of steps subjects the visitor to a last, strenuous effort in order to reach the summit.

Halfway up these steps we find Spider Cave, a small hollow that was used during WWII. At the summit immediately to the south lies Lord Airey’s and O’Hara’s Batteries two 9.2 inch guns, found at these emplacements installed at these sites during WWII, and were last fired by the Royal Gibraltar Regiment in 1972. This is where the walk ends, one can then either retrace their steps, or preferably follow the road down to St. Michael’s Cave or northbound towards Prince Philip’s Arch.

UNESCO World Heritage Site Viewing Platform
It was in July 2016, that Gibraltar’s successful bid for UNESCO World Heritage status was announced for the Gorham’s Cave Complex. The Viewing Platform is within the World Heritage Site and provides the perfect vantage point from which to view the Neanderthal Caves. The caves themselves are subject to an annual quota of visitors because of their archaeological sensitivity and this facility provides spectacular views and interpretation of the site without risk of causing damage to the fragile archaeology. The platform has a series of interpretation panels which tell not just the story of the UNESCO World Heritage Site but of the area as a whole. At this wonderfully scenic lookout one see the unique views of the entire World Heritage Site which extends to the highest point of the Rock at O’Hara’s Battery, 426m, 1400 feet above sea level, including Mediterranean Steps.

Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Trinity
Despite its deceptively Moorish appearance, ‘Holy Trinity’ was not built until 1825. It was consecrated in 1838 at a service attended by Queen Adelaide, widow of William IV. Among those buried here is General Sir George Don under whose direction the cathedral was erected during his posting as Lieutenant Governor of Gibraltar (1814 – 1832). The Holy Trinity Anglican church was raised to cathedral status in 1842, becoming the centre for Anglicans in all Europe except the British Isles. Today its diocese is called ‘The Diocese of Gibraltar in Europe’.

Cathedral of St Mary the Crowned
Situated on the site of the chief mosque in the centre of the city, some of the early structure can still be appreciated; Spanish and Moorish architectural tradition. It was converted into a Roman Catholic Church soon after 1462. Subsequent to the tremendous damage caused by the Spanish and French for almost four years during the Great Siege (1779-1783) the major repairs including shaving off almost a quarter of the length of the building which then allowed Main Street to run straight through. This building is therefore considerably smaller than the ‘Spanish Church’ (as the early British called it) was. It became the seat of Roman Catholic Bishops but not the ‘Bishop of Gibraltar’ until eventually Rome elevated the church to cathedral status in 1926.

Church of Our Lady of Sorrows
Our Lady of Sorrows Church is a Roman Catholic church in Gibraltar. It is in the heart of the old village at Catalan Bay on the east side of the Rock overlooking the sea. The Church’s statue of Our Lady of Sorrows is carried in procession to the Catalan Bay beach each September when the Bishop of Gibraltar blesses the sea in the village’s main religious festival.

Flemish and Great Synagogue
Gibraltar has a Jewish community dating back some 300 years and the Great Synagogue in Engineer Lane has the distinction of being one of the oldest on the Iberian Peninsula, dating back to 1724. Guided tours of the beautiful Flemish synagogue, located in Line Wall Road, can be arranged. There are a total of four synagogues in Gibraltar. The British Garrison of Gibraltar was dependent on Morocco for food and supplies, difficult to ship out from England.

That dependence became crucial whenever Spain imposed a blockade on the colony. Jewish merchants from Tetouan in Morocco came to settle soon after Gibraltar was first occupied by British forces in 1704. They were joined here by other Jews active in the Morocco trade – from London, Leghorn and Amsterdam. The modern Jewish Community of Gibraltar may date back from the eighteenth century, even though Jews had lived on the Rock in the fourteenth century and Marranos from Andalusia had also moved here later.

Hindu Temple
Inaugurated in 2000, the Hindu Temple located at Engineer Lane, serves Gibraltar’s Hindu population of approximately 600. The first merchants in Gibraltar from British India are thought to have arrived in 1870 from the area around Hyderabad taking advantage of the new Suez Canal. The establishment in Gibraltar of such traders and craftsmen was by courtesy or permission of the Military Governor of the day and there was no difference as to status or rights between a trader from, say, Genoa and one from Hyderabad.

Ibrahim al Ibrahim Mosque
This beautiful example of Muslim architecture has been standing at Europa Point since 1997. It was paid for by the late King Fahad Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia and caters for the Muslim population of Gibraltar, most of who originate from Morocco. The mosque is a beautiful addition to this unique site. When lit up at night it stands out dramatically and is visible from miles away.

The majority of Moroccans arrived in Gibraltar after Franco closed the frontier in 1969, taking posts in public services that managed construction, property and service operations around the naval dockyard. Some established a number of interesting retail outlets which still sell Moroccan groceries and or handicrafts. Nowadays the Muslim population form part of Gibraltar’s diverse community.

Jehova’s Witnesses’ Kingdom Hall
There are two very active congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses sharing the same Kingdom Hall; one has meetings in English and the other in Spanish. The Kingdom Hall was relocated recently from Wellington Front to Europort Road.

Jews’ Gate Cemetery
An old Jewish Cemetery, used up until 1848, tucked away behind the trees, a fascinating piece of history that reflects the important role the Jewish people have played in moulding Gibraltar’s history.

King’s Chapel
Inside, beneath the colours of several British regiments, lie the remains of the wife of the Spanish governor of 1648, together with those of British governors O’Hara and Campbell, laid to rest in 1802 and 1813 respectively. An oasis of peace next to the busy Main Street, open to the public, it started as the Roman Catholic chapel to the Franciscan Friary in 1532. The date of 1560 by the entrance probably refers to the major repairs and new bell tower built after the pirate raid of 1540.

Methodist Church
The Methodist Church in Gibraltar was founded by a group of “soldier preachers’ in the early months of the year 1769. The first permanent meeting place was the home of Sgt. Major Ince who was himself a Methodist preacher and was to become famous for his work on the Upper Galleries. Despite great difficulties, the Church grew, and in 1804 the first Methodist Minister was appointed, charged with the care of both service and civilian members of the society.

In 1809 the first church was built in Prince Edward’s Road upon the site of Sgt. Major Ince’s army quarter. Later a manse and school were added. In the middle years of the 19th century Methodist work spread from Gibraltar into Southern Spain where both church and schools were established. In the early 1890’s part of the school in Gibraltar was converted into a recreation club for the soldiers and sailors stationed on the ‘Rock’ who had previously availed themselves of the ‘home from home’ provided by a succession of Ministers and members of the Methodist community. In 1898 the social work of the Church expanded with the opening of the ‘Welcome Soldiers and Sailors Home’ at what was then No.6 Church Street the site of the old Eastern Telegraph offices. In 1933 the ‘Welcome’ removed to its present site at No.297 Main Street.

During the years from 1898 to the advent of World War π the ‘Welcome’ served thousands of service personnel of all faiths and of none. During these years also the Methodist Church in Spain was greatly strengthened by the support of Methodists in Gibraltar. After World War π the old ‘Welcome’ became a ‘Wesley House’ and the social work among the service personnel of all nations was continued and extended.

In 1956 the church in Prince Edward’s Road was sold along with the manse and the present building was reconstructed to house a church, church parlour, quiet room, restaurant, etc,.

During recent years the Church and its fellowship has become the spiritual home not only of Methodists but of many other Free-Church personnel stationed or living in and around Gibraltar. Visitors to the Rock have always been accorded a warm welcome and have found their holidays enhanced by participating in Church activities. Also, expatriates living in Gibraltar and Spain have joined the fellowship along with Gibraltarian Methodists. Wesley is also the British Sailors Society’s Chaplaincy to the Merchant Navy.

There is now a flourishing congregation and a large house group, as well as the ‘Carpenter’s Arms”, an alcohol-free bar lounge. The lounge is part of the outreach to the whole community replacing the restaurant. The Church also plays its part in Ecumenical activities.

Sacred Heart Church
Sacred Heart Church is a beautiful Gothic structure from the 1800s that has been lovingly looked after and is found in the upper part of the old town. It is located on one of the busy narrow roads which lead to the Nature Reserve, Upper Rock. The exterior of the building is imposing but beautiful, with a slight resemblance to the Notre Dame is Paris but only has one tower as the family who generously built it seemingly ran out of money during construction. The inside is peaceful and beautiful and the little courtyard outside has a little garden with a grotto devoted to the Virgin Mary, specifically Our Lady of Lourdes. Amongst the parish priests of this church was Charles Caruana who went on to be the Roman Catholic Bishop of Gibraltar between 1998 and 2010.

Shrine of Our Lady of Europe
Located at the southern end of The Rock, this shrine was originally a mosque and converted into a chapel by the Christians in 1462. The light that was kept burning in a tower above the chapel was the original Gibraltar lighthouse. Although the shrine was plundered and pillaged by the pirate Red Beard, its most valuable treasure – the 15th century statue of the Virgin and Child survived – is still venerated there to this day.

There is a museum at the Shrine that depicts its long and tumultuous history. A growing revival in following to Our Lady of Europe commenced in the 1960s and has gathered momentum. In 2009, Gibraltar celebrated the 700th 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.

St Andrew’s Church
Throughout the 150 years since St Andrew’s opened, there has been a Presbyterian presence in Gibraltar. In the mid nineteenth century, Scottish regiments were an integral part of the British army presence on the Rock, but official indifference prevented those posted to Gibraltar practising their own religious tradition. In the 1840s a group of Scottish expatriates began the fundraising, which resulted in the opening of St Andrew’s Church on May 30th 1854.

St Joseph’s Parish Church
In 1863 St Joseph’s Parish Church was built in the south district of the Rock. It was financed by a Maltese merchant called Mateos.

St Theresa’s Church
St. Theresa’s Church is a Catholic church in Gibraltar. It is located in northeastern Gibraltar, along Devil’s Tower Road. Former priests at the church include Bernard Devlin who went on to be the Roman Catholic Bishop of Gibraltar. The foundation stone of the refurbished church was laid in 1992 by Bishop Devlin. St. Theresa’s had formally become a parish in 1974 when Devlin became Parish priest. However, Mass has been celebrated for “parishioners” since the end of World War II.

The Cityline Church Gibraltar
The Cityline Church Gibraltar, an Evangelical Christian Church, founded in Gibraltar on the summer of 2004, on the 16th of January, 2005, we opened our first premises situated at an upper town street, known also as “calle comedia”.

City Under Siege
Whilst it is true that during the early part of the British occupation of Gibraltar most of the population were members of the Armed Forces, and in particular the Army, the civilian population also contributed to the war effort and played an important role in the life of the Garrison. The buildings in which this exhibition is housed are probably amongst the first buildings ever constructed by the British in Gibraltar, thus dating back to the beginning of the 18th century. Originally it is thought that they were built as magazines to store ammunition and that the building in the courtyard, part of which can still be seen today, was used as a laboratory to prepare ammunition. The area is known as Willis’s Magazine although there is no record of who Willis was and why it was given that name.

Undoubtedly the most important aspect of the building is the graffiti that can be seen on the walls, the earliest of which dates back to 1726. It is thought that soldiers mounting guard in the area used to spend their time drawing graffiti so as not to fall asleep during the long hours of duty, an offence punishable by death in those days. There is much graffiti, all equally interesting, yet there are two outstanding ones featuring a drawing of a galleon together with a graffiti attributed to Sergeant Major Ince, the architect of the Great Siege Tunnels. In this area the visitor can also see the water cisterns used in those days together with the drainage system.

The various exhibits within this area of great historical value depict scenes of how the civilian population lived during those hard times and relate the quaint and often fascinating stories that have passed down to our days of how the first British settlers of Gibraltar had to cope with life.

LAW AND ORDER
Under siege conditions, the mixture of tension, boredom, anger and alcohol meant that discipline had to be strict if order was to be preserved. One of the most common forms of punishment was flogging with a nine tailed whip. A drummer in a regiment, which later became the Lancashire Fusiliers, achieved fame as the most flogged man in the British army. In his first 14 years here he received 30,000 lashes, of which 4,000 were administered in a single year.

FOOD
To preserve stocks of flour, General Eliott stopped his soldiers from powdering their hair and to set everyone a good example he even lived for a week on 4 ounces of rice a day. The high prices that could be charged for even small quantities of poor quality food tempted ships from North Africa to smuggle supplies past the enemy, but civilians often survived on little more than grass, seaweed and wild onions. During the Great Siege a cabbage cost the equivalent of two and a half days of a soldier’s pay while the head and feet of a sheep sold for more than three weeks wages!

EXODUS
To escape the bombardment people gradually abandoned their homes, until the whole population had settled south of the city in tents and ramshackle huts made from timber salvaged from their ruined houses.

This encampment between South Barracks and the Mount was at first called New Jerusalem but because of the dreadful conditions it quickly became known as “Black Town”. Even General Elliot moved his headquarters to a tent above the area known as “Red Sands”

DIG FOR VICTORY
The besieged population lacked fresh vegetables and citrus fruits, important sources of vitamin C. Vitamin C deficiency cause the flesh to blacken and can cripple and kill. To combat this deadly condition, which almost forced the city to surrender, soldiers and civilians were ordered to grow food wherever possible. General Elliot must have taken a very keen interest since he was, most unusually for this period, a strict vegetarian

DEATH AND DISEASE
During the siege, many people on a poor diet were closely confined for long periods in unsanitary conditions.

It is hardly surprising that smallpox, yellow fever, influenza, dysentery and scurvy thrived. By the end of the first year of the Great Siege, smallpox, alone had killed over 500, with the highest mortality rate amongst the children. Although the chart below contains details of the military losses, it quite clearly shows that diseases were much more dangerous than cannon balls.

Apes’ Den / Barbary Macaques
Perhaps Gibraltar’s most important tourist attraction, the Barbary Macaques are normally found in North Africa, but their presence in Gibraltar probably dates from the early days of the British garrison when it is presumed that they were imported, inevitably finding the rough limestone cliffs and scrub vegetation a congenial habitat. In fact, many legends have grown up around them. One is that they travelled from their native Morocco via a subterranean tunnel starting at St Michael’s Cave leading down underneath the Strait of Gibraltar.

Another legend claims that, should the macaques ever disappear, the British will leave Gibraltar. During the last war, natural causes had diminished the macaque numbers alarmingly. Fortunately, Sir Winston Churchill took a personal interest and additional animals were imported from Morocco. Today, in addition to the pack resident at Apes’ Den, there are other packs living wild on the steep slopes of the Rock. Gibraltar does not wish to lessen ‘the monkey experience’ but experts have warned that too much human interaction is harmful to these wild animals.

Primarily because we want them to remain living as they are, in a semi-wild state, we strongly advise you not to get too close, feed or touch them. Finally, because they are wild animals, they may react violently and have been known to attack and inflict serious bites. By all means take photographs but please allow the monkeys to live a natural, free life for their benefit and the enjoyment of all. Just keep a safe distance, do not shout or make sudden movements.

Explore the World War II Tunnels
With the entry of Italy into the War, and a powerful Germany dominating Europe, the strategic importance of Gibraltar grew. The problem of storage was urgent and vital; space became even more valuable; stores, food, and equipment had to be built up and protected, and siege accommodation was required for the troops. A tunnel system would meet these needs, and would give full protection from the then known types of air attack, as well as from sea and land bombardment.

At the start of the war, the civilian population was evacuated and the garrison was greatly increased in size. Numerous new tunnels were excavated to create accommodation for the expanded garrison and to store huge quantities of food, equipment and ammunition. The tunnelling was carried out by four specialised tunnelling companies from the Royal Engineers and the Canadian Army.

A new Main Base Area was established in the south-eastern part of Gibraltar on the Mediterranean coast, shielded from the potentially hostile Spanish mainland, and new connecting tunnels were created to link this with the established military bases on the west side. A pair of tunnels the Great North Road and the Fosse Way, were excavated running nearly the full length of the Rock to interconnect the bulk of the wartime tunnels.

The tunnels accommodated what amounted to an underground city. The entire 16,000-strong garrison could be housed there along with enough food to last them for 16 months. Within the tunnels there were also an underground telephone exchange, a power generating station, a water distillation plant, a hospital, a bakery, ammunition magazines and a vehicle maintenance workshop. The total length of the entire tunnel network inside the Rock is approximately 34 miles, 55 kilometres.

Jews’ Gate Cemetery
An old Jewish Cemetery, used up until 1848, tucked away behind the trees, a fascinating piece of history that reflects the important role the Jewish people have played in moulding Gibraltar’s history.

Nelson’s Anchorage – 100 Ton Gun
HMS Victory was towed to Rosia Bay after Nelson’s victory at Trafalgar. Despite denials by the Royal Navy the local story is that Nelson’s body was brought ashore at Rosia Bay where his body was changed from the barrel of brandy to one of alcohol (spirit of wine) for the return journey home. Located within the same area and worth visiting is the impressive 100 Ton Gun installed in the early nineteenth century but never fired in anger.

There are only two left in the world, the other one is in Malta. Named after Baron Napier of Magdala, this battery was built between 1878 and 1884, in response to recommendations for a heavy RML (Rifle Muzzle Loading) battery for this area. In 1883 it mounted one of the two guns, the other being at Victoria Battery. This heavy gun was sent out from England aboard the WD ship SS Stanley and landed on 10 December 1882. Unloaded via the New Mole Battery, it took twenty one days to be transported by special sleigh the mere four hundred yards to its battery position.

Placed on its carriage on 23 July 1883, it was one of the four guns sent out to reinforce Gibraltar and Malta against attack by similar British guns which had been made available to the Italian navy. In 1898 during practice firing, the gun split and was replaced by the one from Victoria Battery nearby as this deemed to be a better position. The gun was obsolete by 1906. It is still in position although all the hydraulic and all other working parts of the battery have gone. The original gun is said to be under the nearby Fortress HQ building buried in a large pit.

O’Hara’s Battery
O’Hara’s Battery is located at the highest point of the Rock of Gibraltar. This battery owes its name to General Charles O’Hara, Governor of Gibraltar between 1795 and 1802. General O’Hara considered that, if he could raise a tower on this summit south of the Rock, he could observe the movements of the enemy in the port of Cádiz, located 60 miles away (about 100 km).

Its tower was constructed, but it was not successful, reason why the garrison denominated this construction O’Haras’s Folly (the madness of O’Hara). It survived until 1888, when the discussion about its imminent demolition made it the object of a bet between the garrison artillerymen and the artillery officers of HMS Wasp. The HSP Wasp used its masts and rigging to raise its cannons at high altitude and started bombing the tower. The sixth shot destroyed it completely … So they could leave with the honor intact. The first 6-inch cannon was mounted in 1890, but was replaced in 1901 by a 9.2-inch cannon with a range of 29,000 yards (26 km), aided to some extent by its height above sea level.

Princess Caroline’s Battery / Military Heritage Centre
The Military Heritage Centre is housed at Princess Caroline’s Battery, a former artillery battery located at the northern end of the Gibraltar Nature Reserve, Upper Rock, above the Moorish Castle. It was constructed in 1732 and named after the third daughter of King George II. The battery saw action during the Great Siege of Gibraltar and required repairs. In 1871, the battery featured a 9-inch rifled muzzle loading gun, with an Elswick Ordnance Company carriage and platform.

In 1905, the battery was refurbished to accommodate a 6 inch Mark VII gun that was installed on top of the magazine. While the battery has been decommissioned and the gun removed, the same hoists that were utilised to arm the weapon are still present. The explosive charges that propelled the 6 inch gun’s shells were housed in a room with three small interior windows. Lanterns in the windows illuminated the cartridge storage chamber without the risks inherent with an open flame.

The explosive charges were passed through the dispensing hatch at the floor level and were then raised by a hoist to those manning the gun. In order to avoid the danger of an inadvertent explosion caused by a spark, soldiers changed their clothes in an adjacent annex, and even wore special footwear. The Military Heritage Centre at Princess Caroline’s Battery is a small underground exhibition centre. In addition to relics from the battery, the facility is home to the Memorial Chamber.

The relics exhibited date from the eighteenth century to the present, and include weapons, shells, and other artefacts. The Memorial Chamber features the roll call of those regiments deployed to Gibraltar since the early eighteenth century. In addition, the ensigns of the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy are displayed in the Memorial Chamber. There is also a monument which commemorates British Regiments.

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 breath-taking 360º views spanning three countries and two continents and links to other sites within the Gibraltar Nature Reserve, Upper Rock 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 750m², roughly the equivalent of 4 tennis courts. The walkway is 2.5m wide and projects a maximum of 6.7m from the main structural support point. 70m of rock anchors and 30,000kg of steel secure the Skywalk to the Rock.

Gibraltar Nature Reserve, Upper Rock
Stand on top of the Rock and you feel as if you were on top of the world. Europe is at your feet. Africa fills one horizon, while the gates to the Mediterranean and the Atlantic are on either side. The journey to the top of the Rock rewards you with a truly breath-taking view. From a height of 1400 feet (426m) you will see the African coastline, where the waters of the Atlantic meet the Mediterranean, Spain’s Costa del Sol and a panoramic view of the city far below, the quays, marinas and bays.

This green area of Gibraltar is home to many of its attractions and is therefore a main highlight for the visitor with an interest in visiting the major attractions to marvel at the fantastic views, and for ramblers wanting to walk through its nature trails. No unauthorised private vehicles are permitted in the Reserve. However, one may visit as a pedestrian, taking a lift on the Cable Car, or by taking a guided taxi or bus tour. Historically, it is likely that the original vegetation found throughout the Upper Rock was woodland and this was destroyed over the centuries by tree felling and extensive goat grazing. Following the removal of goats during the 19th century, maquis or mattoral became the dominant habitat type on the Upper Rock.

The Gibraltar Nature Reserve has evolved and developed significantly since the Upper Rock was officially designated as a Reserve in 1993. As part of the continued effort to further protect biodiversity and natural habitats in Gibraltar, the then Upper Rock Nature Reserve was rebranded and its size extended in 2013 to include new areas that would further help protect important habitats and species. The British Garrison has historically maintained a strong presence on the Upper Rock, and before WWII, defensive batteries were constructed on most promontories on the Rock for the protection of ‘Fortress Gibraltar’.

In 1938 the Rock’s defences were strengthened against the possibility of a land attack, particularly those facing north. Defensive guns can still be seen at Princess Caroline’s and Princess Amelia’s Batteries. Large 9.2 inch guns were also placed at the southern end of the Rock to defend the Strait of Gibraltar. These still stand at O’Hara’s and Lord Airey’s Batteries. Numerous anti-aircraft batteries and searchlight emplacements were also built during this time and these can still be found in different parts of the Upper Rock. On the advent of WWII, this area became a total exclusion zone to the resident population. It was demarcated by an ‘unclimbable fence’. Soon after the war, the Upper Rock was again opened to the public, but only during daylight hours.

The Gibraltar Nature Reserve is also renowned for its unique trails that meander through the extent of the Reserve. These combine the Nature Reserve’s natural beauty and stunning views with some sites of historic interest that do not feature widely as part of the more mainstream ‘Rock tours’. Notable trails include Mediterranean Steps, Inglis Way, Royal Anglian Way and Douglas Path. Four trail networks have been developed, namely the ‘Nature Lover’, the ‘History Buff’, the ‘Thrill seeker’ and the ‘Monkey trail’. Each trail has its own logo to help guide the user. As part of the revamped trail network a new Gibraltar Nature Reserve Application (GNR App) has been developed which is available on iTunes and Android platforms.

The Moorish Castle
The fortifications on and around the site of the Moorish Castle were first built in 1160, or earlier. These were, however, destroyed when the Spanish re-conquered Gibraltar from 1309-1333. The Tower of Homage, its main feature, dominates the hillside and the landward approach to Gibraltar. A rebuilt tower dates primarily from about 1333 AD when Abu’l Hassan recaptured Gibraltar from the Spanish. On another occasion, the Count of Niebla attacked the castle, was captured by the Medieval defenders and his body was suspended from the walls in a barcina, a net for carrying straw.

The Tower of Homage proudly displays the battle scars inflicted during the various sieges. Here a Spanish governor held out for five months against the Duke of Medina Sidonia, who took Gibraltar from his own sovereign, Queen Isabel of Spain. In 1540, hundreds of people found safety inside the castle when Turkish pirates ransacked Gibraltar. The lower castle formerly stretched all the way down to Casemates Square, the Grand Battery area and the Old Mole. It is interesting to note that the courtyard of the Moorish Castle served as a prison up until 2010.

Windsor Suspension Bridge
Another of Gibraltar’s newest tourist attractions is definitely not for the faint-hearted, but those who want an adrenalin rush can visit the new suspension bridge at Royal Anglian Way. This spectacular feat of engineering is 71 metres in length, across a 50-metre-deep gorge affording visitors magnificent views of across the strait, bay and city.

Mediterranean Steps
Mediterranean Steps is a steep, at times arduous, walk and is not for people without a head for heights. Early mornings are usually preferable, but during the summer months a late afternoon walk will provide the visitor with plenty of much-needed shade. The area is particularly appealing during the spring, when the visitor is greeted by an interesting and very beautiful array of flowers. Mediterranean Steps take the walker from Jews’ Gate on the southern end of the Nature Reserve at 180m above sea level, up towards O’Hara’s Battery at 419m, close to the summit of the Rock.

The path runs mainly along the eastern side of the Rock, an area that is comprised primarily of cliffs and low Mediterranean scrub. The walk starts beside Jew’s Gate Cemetery, leading south through some dense maquis, which gradually opens out, from which the walker is afforded a spectacular view of North Africa across the Strait. From here, we continue along a narrow path that borders along the edge of cliffs and at this point we begin to appreciate the silence and serenity that this path has to offer, and the cries of the yellow-legged gulls are frequently all that can be heard. Carrying on north along this path past the steps leading upwards, we begin to ascend a steep flight of steps that leads to the Goat’s Hair Twin Caves – it is amazing to consider that these caves, were once at sea level! Excavations and research work indicate that prehistoric people once lived on the Rock and inhabited many of our caves, including those found on Mediterranean Steps which is in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continuing the climb, we reach a building that was constructed by the military during WWII. Here, we finish the first flight of steps, and commence a path that leads through a small tunnel and on towards some WWII fortifications.

We now reach a platform that offers the visitor a unique view northwards. The path winds its way upward, and starts to get steeper. Looking up towards the top of the Rock, we can now see the zig-zagging stairway that hugs the cliff and leads to the end of the walk. Here, we also encounter another set of WWII fortifications. Following the track, the walker arrives at the base of the cliff, where the final flight of steps subjects the visitor to a last, strenuous effort in order to reach the summit.

Halfway up these steps we find Spider Cave, a small hollow that was used during WWII. At the summit immediately to the south lies Lord Airey’s and O’Hara’s Batteries two 9.2 inch guns, found at these emplacements installed at these sites during WWII, and were last fired by the Royal Gibraltar Regiment in 1972. This is where the walk ends, one can then either retrace their steps, or preferably follow the road down to St. Michael’s Cave or northbound towards Prince Philip’s Arch.

Nature Trails
The Gibraltar Nature Reserve, particularly its Upper Rock area, is renowned for its unique trails that meander through the extent of the Reserve. These combine the Nature Reserve’s natural beauty and stunning views with some sites of historic interest that do not feature widely as part of the more mainstream ‘Rock tours’. Notable trails include Mediterranean Steps, Inglis Way, Royal Anglian Way and Douglas Path. One of the key objectives of this plan is to diversify the products available within the Gibraltar Nature Reserve.

In order to help meet this requirement, a thematic trail network approach has been adopted. Different trails therefore cater for different visitor expectations and abilities. In addition, the trails are intersected by ‘trail nodes’ which correspond to some of the main attractions within the Reserve such as Jews’ Gate, the Moorish Castle and St. Michael’s Cave. Four trail networks have been developed namely the ‘Nature Lover’, the ‘History Buff’, the ‘Thrill Seeker’ and the ‘Monkey Trail’. Each trail has its own logo to help guide the user. As part of the revamped trail network a new Gibraltar Nature Reserve Application (GNR App) has been developed which is available on iTunes and Android platforms.

The Lime Kiln
Limestone has been a source of construction material in Gibraltar since the very first city was built in the twelfth century. The Arab chronicler Ibn-Juzayy commented how the white houses of Gibraltar contrasted against the red sands that were still visible in those days of the fourteenth century. Limestone has therefore been traditionally used as a raw material for mortar, used in construction. Lime Kilns, which cooked the limestone to make lime, have been around since medieval times for the production of lime mortar for construction purposes.

They were also used extensively in the 18th and 19th Centuries, and Gibraltar’s lime kilns date from this time. There were many kilns located on different parts of the Rock, but today there is one left, located on Willis’s Road. Three types of lime were produced: White lime (used in agriculture), Slaked lime (used as weak building material) and Quicklime (used in construction works).

The latter was produced by heating crushed rock up in a kiln. The end product was a very corrosive substance that was used in the old days by the authorities to dispose of bodies quickly. Quicklime was also used to make whitewash which was regularly used to paint houses and patios, a practice that seemingly goes back to the days of the fourteenth century when the Arab chronicler described his view from the Bay. Lime Kiln Steps in the Upper Town takes its name from the activity of lime production.

Limestone and lime kilns were an important economic commodity that generated activity in many trades such as stone masonry. The need for lime stone and lime mortar in Gibraltar created a thriving group of trades and industries working with lime, and also a number of related activities such as charcoal vendors who supplied the fuel for the kilns.

St Michael’s Cave
St Michael’s Cave was long believed to be bottomless. This probably gave birth to the story that the Rock of Gibraltar was linked to the Africa by a subterranean passage under the Strait of Gibraltar. The famous macaques were said to have come to Gibraltar through this subterranean passage. Pomponious Mela, one of the earliest geographers who lived about the beginning of the Christian era, spoke about the cave in his writings.

It was at one time believed that in 1704 Spanish troops spent a night in the cave after climbing the precipitous east face of the Rock. Another story about the cave recounts how a Colonel Mitchell and another officer were said to have descended into the cave at some unspecified date before 1840 and were never seen again. During WWII the cave was prepared as an emergency hospital, but was never used as such. The cave is open to visitors and makes a unique auditorium for concerts, ballet and drama.

It has been in use as a theatre since the early sixties with capacity for 600 persons. At some period during the history of this cave, part of a stalagmite became too heavy on one side and fell, possibly thousands of years ago. It now lies on its side at the far end of the main chamber, cemented through the years by nature to the floor of the cave. In 1972 a slice was cut off from the top end which revealed the interior structure of the stalagmite in a most dramatic fashion.

The Great Siege Tunnels
The labyrinth of tunnels known as The Great Siege Tunnels are perhaps the most impressive defence system devised by man.

At the end of the Great Siege in 1783, the defeated Commander of the French and Spanish troops, the Duc de Crillon, on being shown the fortifications that had led to the defeat of his troops, commented “These works are worthy of the Romans”. This comment highlights the ingenuity of those men who against all odds endured the onslaught of the advancing forces and were still able to devise a unique system of defence which afforded them victory.

It was during the war of American Independence, when France and Spain made an all-out attempt to recapture the Rock from the British in Gibraltar’s 14th Siege, always called The Great Siege, which lasted from July 1779 to February 1783, that the then Governor General Eliott (later called Baron Heathfield of Gibraltar) is said to have offered a reward to anyone who could tell him how to get guns on to a projection from the precipitous northern face of the Rock known as the Notch.

Sergeant Major Ince, a member of the Company of Military Artificers, forerunners of the Royal Engineers, suggested that this could be done by tunnelling. Permission was granted, and Sergeant Major Ince started work under the direction of Lieutenant J. Evelegh, a Royal Engineer, Aide De Camp to the Governor, on May 25th, 1782.

The tunnellers relied on the strength of their arms, on their skills with a sledgehammer and a crowbar, and were also aided by gunpowder for blasting. In five weeks 18 men had driven a tunnel 8 feet square (2.40sq.m) by 82 feet long (25m) into the Rock. It is interesting to compare this with the record of a fully mechanised tunnelling company in Gibraltar during World War II, who in a week advanced 180 feet (55m).

Originally there was no intention of mounting guns in this gallery, but as the work progressed the fumes from repeated blasting almost suffocated the miners, so it was decided to open a vent to let air into the tunnel. Almost at once it was realised what an excellent embrasure this would make for a gun, so one was mounted without waiting to reach the ‘Notch ‘. Other embrasures were cut and guns mounted, and by the time the Siege ended in February 1783, the tunnel was 370 feet (113m) long and had four guns mounted in it. This first gallery was called ‘Windsor Gallery’. Sergeant Major Ince did not stop there – he went on to tunnel two other galleries called “Kings and Queens Lines” lower down the north face of the Rock.

Work did not stop with the end of the Siege, but instead of continuing straight towards the ‘Notch’, a tunnel was driven downwards and a large chamber opened under the ‘Notch’ called St. George’s Hall, where a battery of seven guns was installed. The Cornwallis Chamber was also excavated at this time. It was in St. George’s hall that Lord Napier of Magdala – Governor of Gibraltar – is said to have given a banquet in honour of General Grant, ex-president of the United States of America.

In gratitude to Sergeant Major Ince, he was given a Commission and granted a plot of land on the Upper Rock, still known today as Ince’s Farm. In addition, the Duke of Kent – Gibraltar’s Royal Governor and father of Queen Victoria – gave him a valuable horse, in 1802.

The entrance to the Upper Galleries is dominated by a Victorian 64-pounder cannon. There are other Victorian guns in the Galleries dating back to 1850, as well as an original 18th century cannon.

During the Second World War, the Royal Engineers (originally the Artificer Company during the Great Siege) including a Canadian contingent, achieved wonderful feats of engineering, adding some 33 miles (52km) of tunnels.

SERGEANT- MAJOR HENRY INCE – Source: Gibraltar Heritage Trust

Henry Ince, a Cornishman by birth was one of the first members of Green’s Company, being appointed a Sergeant on the date of formation. He was promoted Sergeant-Major in September 1781, and served not only throughout the Siege but for long afterwards. He certainly left an indelible mark on the history of Gibraltar where he had first served as a Private in the 2nd Regiment of Foot. A special rate of pay was granted to him, besides the 2s. 10d. a day as foreman.

His charge included the constant development of the Galleries. He retired in 1791, after 30 years service, but continued at the works as an overseer. He lived in a farm at the top of the Rock, which still bears his name, and became a notable figure in Gibraltar. His contribution to Gibraltar’s successful defence was considerable. Sergeant-Major Ince died on the 9th October 1808 in Gittisham and was also buried there on 14th October 1808. He died at the age of 72 years.

Alameda Wildlife Conservation Park
Nestled in the beautiful Gibraltar Botanic Gardens, the Alameda Wildlife Conservation Park is home to a collection of both exotic and native species. The park is the only wildlife park in Gibraltar. They care for exotic animals confiscated by Gibraltar customs, unwanted exotic pets and animals such as the cotton-topped tamarin, on loan from international zoos, to raise awareness about important endangered species through conservation education.

An essential role of the park is the conservation of threatened species – partaking in international conservation projects supporting species in the wild.

Through selected captive breeding programmes, they also hope to play an important part in the international effort to conserve rare and endangered species.

Apes’ Den / Barbary Macaques
Perhaps Gibraltar’s most important tourist attraction, the Barbary Macaques are normally found in North Africa, but their presence in Gibraltar probably dates from the early days of the British garrison when it is presumed that they were imported, inevitably finding the rough limestone cliffs and scrub vegetation a congenial habitat. In fact, many legends have grown up around them. One is that they travelled from their native Morocco via a subterranean tunnel starting at St Michael’s Cave leading down underneath the Strait of Gibraltar.

Another legend claims that, should the macaques ever disappear, the British will leave Gibraltar. During the last war, natural causes had diminished the macaque numbers alarmingly. Fortunately, Sir Winston Churchill took a personal interest and additional animals were imported from Morocco. Today, in addition to the pack resident at Apes’ Den, there are other packs living wild on the steep slopes of the Rock. Gibraltar does not wish to lessen ‘the monkey experience’ but experts have warned that too much human interaction is harmful to these wild animals.

Primarily because we want them to remain living as they are, in a semi-wild state, we strongly advise you not to get too close, feed or touch them. Finally, because they are wild animals, they may react violently and have been known to attack and inflict serious bites. By all means take photographs but please allow the monkeys to live a natural, free life for their benefit and the enjoyment of all. Just keep a safe distance, do not shout or make sudden movements.

Barbary Partridge
Alectoris barbara (Bonnaterre) / Barbary Partridge / Perdiz Moruna.

It is unknown whether this species was an original component of the Rock’s avifauna or whether it was introduced by man. The question is perhaps best left open in view of the fact that a number of other North African species figure in the Rock’s fauna and flora and are absent from the Spanish hinterland. Although it is likely that it was introduced to the Rock, as assumed by Lifor (1866), Seoane (1870), Berris (1964) and Valrie (1965) the only evidence for this is circumstantial. The Governor’s Order Book records that the importation of “game from Barbary” for shooting purposes was authorised in 1749 by General H.Bland, then Governor of Gibraltar. This introduction did not definitely include partridges but the possibility arises that the species was introduced by man then or that an indigenous population was reinforced by birds from Morocco. Alectoris partridges were present during the late Pleistocene but their specific identity has not been established conclusively.

The first recorded observations of Barbary Partridges at Gibraltar are those of Rev.John White in 1771 (or Holt-White 1901). The species then ranged widely over the Rock but now it has a restricted distribution, chiefly in the less disturbed areas of the Upper Rock, Windmill Hill and the slopes above Catalan Bay. The typical habitat is low scrub and open rocky slopes. It is resident with a population of about 30 pairs. Coveys of up to 25 birds form outside the breeding season.

The species is sedentary, but a number of observations from Spain near Gibraltar (Gonzalo-Diez 1958, Trigo de Yarto 1960, Nisbet1960 b. Brosse & Jacquernard-Brosse 1962, and J Croxell pers.comm.) suggest that some dispersal from the Rock may have occurred. Such a range expansion would have been easier for partridges in the past. When the isthmus was entirely vegetated and the urban belt of La Linea was absent, but it is probably still possible for partridges to leave the Rock, although this has never been observed and would be a rare occurrence if it happens at all. It seems most probable that Barbary Partridges seen in Spain near the Rock were originally directly introduced to Spanish Estates.

Source: The Birds of Gibraltar by John E Cortes, J Clive Finlayson, Ernest F J Garcia, Mario A J Mosquera.

A REPRIEVE FOR THE ROCK’S PARTRIDGES

Building a satellite ground station on prime nesting sites, should spell disaster for the Rock’s declining population of Barbary Partridges but an agreement between the Gibraltar Ornithological and Natural History Society and project developer ASC Systems could have Gibraltar’s Barbary Partridges clucking in glee.

The shy partridges already had to put up with military exercises, an increasing number of feral cats and dogs walked by some private individuals on their stronghold of Windmill Hill Flats, so the proposed development of a satellite ground station by ASC Systems, resulting in the loss of habitat from two pairs of partridges, could well have been the final straw.

But following hard negotiations, the Gibraltar Ornithological and Natural History Society has obtained an ‘inprinciple’ agreement from ASC for the funding of a Barbary Partridge recovery programme and the creation of new partridge habitat to compensate for this loss.

The programme, which will involve clearing vegetation on the Upper Rock and captive breeding of local partridges for release into the wild will cost in the region of 60,000 pounds over four years. After many years of being squeezed into ever decreasing habitat, this is good news indeed for this timid bird which will often run for cover rather than taking flight.

The Barbary Partridge, Alectoris Barbara, belongs to the family Phasianidae, and is distinguished from other partridges by its blue-grey bib framed with chestnut brown. It is described as having ‘a brown crown/ventral nape which shows up well on raising, resembling a Mohican haircut’. The partridge’s plump body and short bill are typical of Gallinaceous birds, which include pheasants and grouse. Gibraltar’s Barbary Partridge will never be prized for its song which is described as a ‘series of shrill, broken monosyllable clucks with interposed double notes’. Its meat however might be a little more appealing to some, and that is possibly how the birds originally came to the Rock.

Predominantly a North African species, Gibraltar is the only mainland European location for a self sustaining wild population (they are also found offshore in the Canaries and Sardinia).

It is unclear whether the birds were imported during the Moorish occupation of the Rock, brought over by the British in the mid 1700s as part of a consignment of ‘game from Barbary’ or if the population is indigenous. Possibly the answer lies with a combination of all three. Fossil remains of Alectoris partridges dating from the late Pleistocene epock ( 1.6 to 0.01 million years ago) have been found on the Rock, but it is possible that these birds were ancestors of the red-legged partridge. Alectoris rifa, which is common in Spain but not found in Gibraltar.

Genetic Research as part of the programme agreed with ASC Systems is planned to try to determine whether the Gibraltarian Barbary Partridges are genetically different from the population in North Africa and elsewhere and this should establish their origins. The first record of Barbary Partridges on the Rock was noted by the Reverend John White in 1771 and at this time they were well established in the open scrub of the Upper Rock which was kept clear by grazing goats.

Their range and number have dwindled in recent years as a result of several factors. The first is loss of open vegetation due to the growth of dense scrub and woodland on the Rock. This denies the birds their preferred low scrub for nesting and open ground for foraging. Disturbances, illegal catching of young and heavy predation by feral cats has worsened the situation even further to the point that perhaps only 30 pairs remain.

It is hoped that the GONHS ACS programme will go some way to restoring the Barbary Partridge population of 200 years ago.

Birdwatching
MIGRATION
As the Strait of Gibraltar is the narrowest crossing point for birds migrating to and from Europe and Africa, the Rock offers unrivalled bird watching opportunities. 315 species of birds have been recorded, many of which are migratory. Gibraltar, at the head of the Strait, is a prominent headland, which accumulates migrants during the passage periods. The vegetation on the Rock, unique in southern Iberia, provides a temporary home for many species of migratory birds that stop to rest and feed before continuing migration for their crossing over the desert and sea. In spring they return to replenish before continuing their journeys to Western Europe, journeys that may take them as far as Greenland or Russia.

BIRD RINGING
Migration is a challenge within nature conservation work since many populations of birds regularly move over large areas, and problems en route or in the wintering quarters can result in declining breeding populations in areas far away. Many migratory birds are declining in numbers and detailed survey information about the annual movements, including important stop-over sites (i.e Gibraltar) and winter quarters, is a top conservation priority. This is where bird ringing comes in. The Gibraltar Ornithological & Natural History Society (GONHS) Ringing station & Field observation centre at Jew’s Gate engages in a bird ringing programme during Spring & autumn every year. The ringing being undertaken at this observatory is important in order to identify changes in the migration patterns of bird species, particularly in relation to factors such as climate change.

GIBRALTAR
During the late 19th century, it was quite possible to observe breeding species now absent from Gibraltar. Species such as Osprey & Bonelli’s Eagles used to breed on the cliffs on the eastern side of the rock. Sadly, these have now become extinct as a breeding species due to a combination of poisoning, disturbance, and the surge in Yellow-legged Gull population. Others such as Raven, Jackdaw and Black Wheatear disappeared as a result of habitat loss after the east side great sand slopes were destroyed and converted to a water catchment, covered by corrugated iron sheeting, a habitat which has since been regenerated. The Raven did make a comeback for several years in the recent past but is now again an irregular passage migrant.

Gibraltar lies in a strategic location for birdwatching. Migration of soaring birds & seabirds occurs almost year-round and the sheer numbers can be impressive in the peak seasons March-May & August-October. Birds of prey such as Honey Buzzards, Black Kites, Short-toed Eagles, Booted Eagles, Griffon Vultures, White Storks, Cory’s Shearwater & Audouin’s Gull pass in their thousands, with smaller numbers Egyptian & Griffon Vultures, Marsh, Hen and Montagu’s Harriers, Sparrowhawk, Common Buzzards, Ospreys, Eleonora’s Falcon, Black Storks and others. Regular seabirds include Cory’s and Balearic Shearwaters, Northern Gannets, Great Skuas, Mediterranean, Black-headed, Lesser Black-backed and Audouin’s Gull, Black & Sandwich Tern.

RESIDENT & BREEDING SPECIES
Because of the lack of natural fresh water streams and rivers in Gibraltar, a lot of the species you would expect to see across the border in nearby Spain often associated with such habitats such as Grey Wagtails, Nightgales, Cetti’s Warbler and others, are generally absent and only ever encountered on the rock during passage periods. Current resident and summer breeding species include European Shags, the only mainland site in Europe for Barbary Partridges, Peregrines Falcon, Common & Lesser Kestrels, Common, Pallid & Alpine Swifts, Blue Rock Thrush, House

Martin, Eagle Owl and thousands of Yellow-legged Gulls. A plethora of smaller songbirds such as Spotted Flycatcher, Sardianian Warbler, Blackcap, Blackbird, Greenfinch, Serin, Zitting Cisticola and many others also breed.

PASSAGE MIGRANTS
Spring & autumn Regular passage migrants include, Bee-eater, Hoopoe, Great Spotted Cuckoo, Turtle Dove, Northern & Black-eared Wheatears, Subalpine & Spectacled Warblers, Willow Warbler, Western Olivacious Warbler, Whinchat, Common Redstart, Tree & Tawny Pipit, Grasshopper Warbler, Reed Warbler, Orphean Warbler, Melodious Warbler, Ortolan Bunting to name just a few! More scare migrants include Lanner Falcon, Roller, Stone Curlew and others. For a more detailed species migration timetable in Gibraltar visit

WINTER
Wintering species include Alpine Accentor, Black Redstart, Robin, Tawny Owl, Woodcock, Skylark, Thekla Larks, Meadow Pipit, Dartford Warbler, Firecrest Zitting Cisticola, Stonechat and in the past have included species such as Wallcreeper & Yellow-browed Warbler.

VAGRANTS
Gibraltar’s strategic location and proximity to the African continent make it an ideal location to observe unusual species and this has resulted in sightings of vagrant species such as Purple Sandpiper, Common Eider, Rüppell’s Vulture, Pallid Harrier, Long-legged Buzzard, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Lanner Falcon, Allen’s Gallinule, Seebohm’s & Desert Wheatear, Calandra Lark, Siberian Chiffchaff & Red-breasted Flycatcher, Tristrams Warbler, African Chaffinch amongst many others. If you do happen to come across a species you suspect is unusual in Gibraltar, please contact GONHS on the link provided below, together with any photographs & descriptions.

SPECIES BY MONTHS
February – March.
Very good for the start of bird of prey migration including Black Kite, Short-toed Eagle & Egyptian Vulture. Cory’s Shearwaters in the straits.

March – April.
During late March to April there is a good variety of passage raptors including Black Kite, Egyptian Vulture, Short-toed Eagle, Marsh and Montagu’s Harriers, Buzzard, Booted Eagle and Osprey. Smaller spring migrants include Subalpine & Spectacled Warblers & Black-eared Wheatear and others.

April – May.
Are excellent for migrating passerines and large falls occur in the Strait area after bad weather. Those wanting to observe the greatest variety of species should visit during mid-April to mid-June. At this time birds are still migrating north and most of the summer visitors have arrived to breed. Among the interesting migrants these months include Montagu’s Harrier, Scops Owl, Red-necked Nightjar, Bee-eater, Roller, Hoopoe, Short-toed Lark, Tawny Pipit, Rufous Bush Robin, Northern & Black-eared Wheatears, Rock Thrush, Western Olivaceaous Warbler, Melodious Warbler, Spectacled Warbler, Subalpine Warbler, Orphean Warbler, Willow & Bonelli’s Warblers, Pied Flycatcher, Common Redstart, Woodchat Shrike, Ortolan Bunting and many others.

June.
June is good for Honey Buzzard and for other late bird of prey passage involving a lot of non-breeding individuals from species such as Griffon Vulture, Short-toed Eagle, Black Kite.

July – August.
July and August are probably the best seabird-watching months. There are large numbers of Balearic and Cory’s Shearwaters offshore and there is a large westward movement of thousands of Audouins’s Gull. Other seabirds likely at this time include Slender-billed Gull, Gull-billed Tern & Black Tern. July to August is also the peak of the southward migration of the White Stork, Black Kite and Common Swift and can be particularly impressive at times.

August – October.
The last week of August and the first ten days of September are the best for large numbers of raptors on migration, especially Honey Buzzard, Egyptian Vulture and Montagu’s Harrier. Black Storks and Short-toed and Booted Eagles follow at the end of September and in early October. The main passerine activity in autumn is in late September to mid-November when large falls occur after bad weather. Finch migration during October and early November is spectacular.

November – February.
The winter period is considered to be from November – February. The end of February is also an interesting time as summer migrants from the Africa arrive and the winter species are still present.

Commonwealth Park
Adjacent to King’s Bastion Leisure Centre and linked by a corridor through the solid wall lies as a beautifully landscaped park nestled within the old city walls which provides a peaceful green recreational area in the heart of town. The first trees, evergreen magnolias from Italy, were planted on 22 November 2013. The park itself was officially inaugurated and opened to the public on 12 June 2014.

Dolphin Watching & Boat Trips
A dolphin-watching trip is the most enjoyable way of seeing these fascinating mammals up close and there are two companies to choose from. The dolphins in the bay and strait area can be seen nearly any day, primarily the Common Dolphin, Bottlenose Dolphin and the Striped Dolphin.

Dolphins are very sociable animals, spending almost all of their time in the company of others of their species. The groups of dolphins can range from very few, to several hundred, living and working together. They will work together to gather food, help each other to sleep, to give birth to new infants or to assist when another dolphin is ill or injured. These cetaceans can be found in various haunts around the coast of Gibraltar where they feed on sardines, herring, squid, anchovies and flying fish and have been known to dive to a depth of about 280 metres.

Get to see the Rock from another point of view, see the caves on the East Side, enjoy the views of Gibraltar, Morocco, Spain.

Europa Point & Lighthouse
When the ancient mariners from the east arrived in this region in the eighth century BC, they homed in on the beacon which was the Rock and were attracted to large marine caverns close to these southern platforms. We know that Phoenicians and ancient Greeks came here. According to legend, Hercules passed through here to take the cattle of Geryon – his tenth labour – and opened up the strait, creating the pillars which received his name (Hercules to the Romans).

These pillars are still clearly identifiable today: the Rock of Gibraltar on one side and the Jbel Musa on the other. The legend matches the scientific reality although the timescales are somewhat different. The last time the strait opened up was around five million years ago and there were no humans around to watch it happen. It must have been a spectacular event indeed. The Mediterranean had been land-locked for a very long time and had evaporated. Then as a fissure developed where the Strait of Gibraltar is today, the Atlantic gushed in filling the Mediterranean basin in just one hundred years, with a huge ten thousand foot waterfall at the entrance to the strait.

The Gibraltar Trinity Lighthouse, now fully automated is the only one regulated by Trinity House outside mainland United Kingdom. It dates back to 1841 and stands 49 metres above sea level with a range of approximately 37 kilometres.

Flora & Fauna
Gibraltar’s natural history, like so many aspects of the Rock, is the richer for Gibraltar’s strategic position. For all lovers of nature, Gibraltar is full of surprises. Much of the Upper Rock has been declared a Nature Reserve with the aim of conserving its natural environment, unspoilt and beautiful, for future generations. In terms of birdlife, indeed, it is of international importance. During the long migratory seasons in spring and autumn, Gibraltar is for millions of birds, an invaluable staging post linking Europe and Africa.

The number of individual birds, especially birds of prey, exceeds even that found at the Bosphorous. To birdwatchers, high season extends from February to June, and from July to October, although even winter is excellent. In addition to these passage migrants, the Rock has an unusually large and varied list of resident species, including one – the Barbary Partridge found nowhere else on the mainland of Europe.

Apart from the Barbary Macaques, common mammals include rabbits and bats (including the large mouse-eared bat, the size of a kestrel). Dolphins such as the Common, Bottlenosed and Striped varieties provide an excuse for a boat trip out to the bay, where they may often be seen at play. Insects are abundant. In season, the skies are shared by large numbers of migratory butterflies of painted lady, while on the ground the praying mantis may capture even small lizards.

The Rock is home to several notable reptile species among them the Octellated Lizard (Europe’s largest) and the scrub-loving large Psammodromus. Snakes include the long Horseshoe Whip Snake, which is the most common snake on the Rock. Spring within the Nature Reserve, Upper Rock sees the appearance of the unique Gibraltar Candytuft. The alkaline soil, which differs from that of the surrounding countryside, encourages the growth of many shrubs, including the ubiquitous wild olive and other aromatic species. Among the herbs, rosemary, sage and lavenders add fragrance to the scent-laden air.

The lower Rock is unashamedly Mediterranean, its more plentiful soil allowing the fig and almond to flourish among palms and bougainvillaea. A wealth of blooms and blossoms makes Gibraltar a paradise as much for the serious botanist as for the less demanding rambler among peaceful, leafy lanes.

Gibraltar Botanic Gardens, The Alameda Gardens
The spectacular Alameda Gardens were first opened to the public in 1816 and there are a number of commemorative busts and cannons which date back to the 18th and 19th century on view. For most visitors, however, it is the beauty of the plants and trees which make the Alameda such a magical place; many are native species while others are imported. At certain times of the year, various cultural events take place in the gardens’ open-air theatre. Tours of the Botanic Gardens are also available. Two important monuments can be viewed here, but pride of place goes to the General Elliot Column and the impressive bronze ordnance at its feet. At the entrance are two of the four Russian guns given to Gibraltar by Britain, for Gibraltar’s help during the Crimean War, in 1858.

The main plants of the Alameda Gardens from the earliest days were the Stone Pine, the wild Olive, and the Dragon Tree. It would appear that some of these trees, which still survive, pre-date the opening of the garden and thus are at least 200 years old. Planting subsequent to this had included notably species from South Africa (e.g. Plumbago capensis, Aloe arborescens, capensis, Tecomaria capensis) and Australia (e.g. Melaleuca decussata), possibly as a result of shipping contact between Gibraltar and the other colonies en route to Australia.

Dragon Tree: The Dragon Tree comes from the Atlantic Islands of the Canaries, Madeira and Cape Verde. It is an unusual member of the lily family. The red resin which quickly crystalises was used medicinally and known as Dragon’s Blood. The smooth grey bark is reminiscent of an elephant’s hide. Its panicles of showy white flowers appear irregularly in summer and produce bright orange berry-like fruit in winter. The oldest dragon tree in the gardens is probably about 300 years old, though there are claims that they live upwards of 1000 years.

Stone Pine: This is a native of the Mediterranean where it favours sandy coastal locations. The pine nuts produced in the rounded cones are edible. Roasted and sugar-coated these ‘piñones’ are a delicacy. The cones and nuts in the gardens are often eaten by frugivorous tree rats before they fall to the ground. The outer surface of the bark of this tree in the gardens is about 200 years old. The Aleppo Pine is less common in the gardens. It has pointed cones, winged, inedible seeds and more finely marked bark than the Stone Pine. There is one large Canary Island Pine in the upper part of the garden.

Wild Olive: The most common tree in the Alameda, the wild olive, produces small white flowers in summer followed by small black olives in winter. Too bitter for human consumption, it is a favourite food of wintering birds, including blackcaps. The wood is strong and hard wearing. This tree is the ancestor of the cultivated olive tree.

Nettle Tree: Related to the elms, this tree has nettle-shaped leaves that do not sting. Probably native to Gibraltar where it will have formed part of the ancient woodland that covered what is now the town area. A deciduous tree with bright green foliage in spring that turns darker as summer progresses. Its grey bark is smooth. There is a Nettle Tree in the centre of the Lions’ Pond.

Australian Silk Oak: There is only one specimen of this tree in the gardens, on the lower southernmost area (Atlantic Island Bed). Its springtime flowering is spectacular with orange and red flowers producing copious amounts of nectar which attracts bees and birds. Canary Island Date Palm: The common palm of Gibraltar is a native of the Canary Islands. It has long fronds and orange, inedible dates. Washingtonia: Large, fan-leaved palm originates from the deserts of North America. One of the two large specimens in the Dell has retained its ‘petticoat’ of old leaves.

Lord Howe Island Palm: Two of these attractive palms grow in the Dell above the bridge. They were reputedly donated to the gardens as young plants by an elderly lady the day she was evacuated in 1941, during the Second World War. Other species of palm are being added to the garden’s collection.

Hibiscus: Also known as ‘Rose of China’, many attractive varieties of this tropical shrub grow in the gardens, notably in the Hibiscus Bed and in the Dell where there are a number of especially beautiful large-flowered forms. The Hibiscus bed also holds other species of Hibiscus, including the Swamp Mallow Hibiscus and the Fringed Hibiscus, as well as other members of the Hibiscus, or Mallow Family.

Bougainvillea: Named after French explorer Louis de Bougainville, these showy scramblers come from tropical South America. Of the various varieties growing in the gardens, the purple and deep red are the most spectacular, especially during their main flowering period in summer. The colour is provided by modified leaves called bracts, while the white flowers are small and insignificant.

Daisies: There are numerous members of this family in the gardens. The small bright blue flowers with yellow centres are Felicia from southern Africa. All-yellow daisies are Euryops, which are also South African. Also from that region are the grey-leaved squat Gazania and the shrubbier Arctotis (often with orange flowers). Rounded bushes with white flowers with yellow centres in early spring are the Canary Island daisies. A climbing daisy and a tree daisy, from Mexico, can also be seen.

Climbers, creepers and scramblers: A number of other climbers, creepers and scramblers are common in the gardens, often shaped into hedges. With bright orange tubular flowers is the Cape Honeysuckle, from South Africa. Also South African is the pale blue flowered Leadwort. There is a Chinese Wisteria over the upper fountain in the Dell, while on the bridge grow Bougainvillea, Lantana and Wisteria as well as Golden Chalice and the Australian Native Wisteria. Scattered about the gardens are a number of honeysuckle, Jasmine and Jessamine or ‘Dama de Noche’, with its intense scent in summer evenings.

Shrubs and bulbs: Some of the more obvious shrubs of the gardens include Oleanders, with pink, white or yellowish flowers in summer, the Blue Butterfly Bush with pale blue flowers in late winter and the native Shrubby Scorpion Vetch with sweet-scented bright yellow flowers in late winter and early spring. One traditional plant of the Alameda which has been re-planted in various areas is the Heliotrope which has pale blue flowers and an overpowering cherry-pie scent. The Bugloss is another shrub with attractive blue flowers. In late summer the pink trumpets of the Bella Donna Lilies appear from the dry ground. In winter and spring dark green clusters of leaves show instead. Agapanthus with blue flowers and Antholyza aethiopica, with orange flowers are another two southern African bulbous plants of the Alameda.

Pelargoniums: Commonly known as geraniums, these plants, which mainly originate in South Africa do well in Gibraltar’s similar climate. A number of cultivated varieties grow around the gardens, while true species can be seen in certain areas. These include the attractive Oak-leaved Pelargonium and other species with scented leaves.

Succulents: Several beds are dedicated to succulents from the dry regions of the world. Many plant families have developed some form of succulent habit. The best represented in The Alameda include: Aloes: Mainly southern African and have spikes of tubular, often red flowers. These are pollinated by sunbirds in Africa and also attract birds in Gibraltar to feed on their copious nectar. The most common is the Tree Aloe which flowers in winter.

Cacti: Almost exclusively American and include the pad-like Opuntia, the columnar species like Cleistocactus jujuyensis, the cushion-like Echinocactus grusonii and the climbing species with large night-opening flowers like Hylacereus undatus candelabrum.

Euphorbias: or spurges have many forms, including ones, like Euphorbia candelabrum that resemble columnar cacti. Other forms to be seen on the main succulent bed are represented by, for example, Euphorbia stenoclada and E. milii hislopii. The small succulent bed near the Theatre is dedicated to plants of the Sonoran Desert in North America.

Gibraltar and Mediterranean: Wild plants are to be found in locations throughout the gardens, with some beds being particularly dedicated to them. Gibraltar plants to be seen include the Gibraltar Candytuft, the Gibraltar Restharrow and the very rare Gibraltar Campion. The Mediterranean Bed in particular has typical species including lavenders and Cistus Sun Roses, as well as leguminous shrubs and bulbous or rhizomatous plants like the Paper-white Narcissus, Giant Squill and Asphodels.

Other beds: Some of the other beds are dedicated to the plants of California, Australia, South Africa, and the Canary Islands, regions with a climate similar to Gibraltar’s. The Family Beds display plants according to selected plant families.

Wildlife in the Gardens: Herbicides and pesticides are not generally used in the Alameda, and so there is a rich wildlife. Bird species nesting within the gardens include Sardinian Warbler, Blackcap, Blackbird, Robin, Greenfinch, Serin and Wren. Winter additions include Grey and White Wagtail, Chifchaff, Black Redstart, Chaffinch, Short-toed Tree-creeper and occasionally Kingfisher, while notable birds of passage periods are Hoopoe, Redstart, Woodchat Shrike and flycatchers. Kestrel (throughout the year) and Booted Eagle (in winter) regularly hunt in the grounds. Reptiles include the Moorish Gecko, Iberian Wall Lizard, Amphisbaenian and the harmless Horseshoe Whip Snake. Of the bats, the Pipistrelle is the commonest (often seen during the day), while Schreiber’s Bat and the European Free-tailed Bat can also be seen. The Alameda Gardens are peat-free. Coconut fibre and our own composted material is used in order not to foster the destruction of peat bogs in northern Europe, which are important wildlife habitats.

Gibraltar Nature Reserve, Upper Rock
Stand on top of the Rock and you feel as if you were on top of the world. Europe is at your feet. Africa fills one horizon, while the gates to the Mediterranean and the Atlantic are on either side. The journey to the top of the Rock rewards you with a truly breath-taking view. From a height of 1400 feet (426m) you will see the African coastline, where the waters of the Atlantic meet the Mediterranean, Spain’s Costa del Sol and a panoramic view of the city far below, the quays, marinas and bays.

This green area of Gibraltar is home to many of its attractions and is therefore a main highlight for the visitor with an interest in visiting the major attractions to marvel at the fantastic views, and for ramblers wanting to walk through its nature trails. No unauthorised private vehicles are permitted in the Reserve. However, one may visit as a pedestrian, taking a lift on the Cable Car, or by taking a guided taxi or bus tour. Historically, it is likely that the original vegetation found throughout the Upper Rock was woodland and this was destroyed over the centuries by tree felling and extensive goat grazing. Following the removal of goats during the 19th century, maquis or mattoral became the dominant habitat type on the Upper Rock.

The Gibraltar Nature Reserve has evolved and developed significantly since the Upper Rock was officially designated as a Reserve in 1993. As part of the continued effort to further protect biodiversity and natural habitats in Gibraltar, the then Upper Rock Nature Reserve was rebranded and its size extended in 2013 to include new areas that would further help protect important habitats and species. The British Garrison has historically maintained a strong presence on the Upper Rock, and before WWII, defensive batteries were constructed on most promontories on the Rock for the protection of ‘Fortress Gibraltar’.

In 1938 the Rock’s defences were strengthened against the possibility of a land attack, particularly those facing north. Defensive guns can still be seen at Princess Caroline’s and Princess Amelia’s Batteries. Large 9.2 inch guns were also placed at the southern end of the Rock to defend the Strait of Gibraltar. These still stand at O’Hara’s and Lord Airey’s Batteries. Numerous anti-aircraft batteries and searchlight emplacements were also built during this time and these can still be found in different parts of the Upper Rock. On the advent of WWII, this area became a total exclusion zone to the resident population. It was demarcated by an ‘unclimbable fence’. Soon after the war, the Upper Rock was again opened to the public, but only during daylight hours.

The Gibraltar Nature Reserve is also renowned for its unique trails that meander through the extent of the Reserve. These combine the Nature Reserve’s natural beauty and stunning views with some sites of historic interest that do not feature widely as part of the more mainstream ‘Rock tours’. Notable trails include Mediterranean Steps, Inglis Way, Royal Anglian Way and Douglas Path. Four trail networks have been developed, namely the ‘Nature Lover’, the ‘History Buff’, the ‘Thrill seeker’ and the ‘Monkey trail’. Each trail has its own logo to help guide the user. As part of the revamped trail network a new Gibraltar Nature Reserve Application (GNR App) has been developed which is available on iTunes and Android platforms.

Gorham’s Cave Complex World Heritage Site and Tours
The Gorham’s Cave Complex is the name given to the area covering some 28 hectares on the eastside of Gibraltar from sea level to the top of the Rock. In July 2016, it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its exceptional testimony to the occupation, cultural traditions and material culture of Neanderthal and early modern human populations through a period spanning approximately 120,000 years. The striking cluster of sea level caves contain archaeological deposits that provide evidence of Neanderthal and early modern human occupation of Gibraltar, and the landscape setting and natural species which assist in presenting the natural resources and environmental context, including climatic conditions, of Neanderthal life. The Gibraltar Nature Reserve forms part of the buffer zone to the WH site and together they represent over 40% of the territory of Gibraltar.

Gibraltar has a longstanding association with the Neanderthals. The first complete skull was found and presented to the Gibraltar Scientific Society by Lieutenant Edmund Flint of the Royal Artillery in 1848 – eight years before the famed remains found in the Neander Valley near Dusseldorf in Germany, which gives its name to these people. A second skull – the Devil’s Tower Child – was found in Gibraltar in 1926.

The Gorham’s Cave Complex is of major significance in understanding the global story of human evolution and adaptation. Gorham’s and Vanguard Caves have been archaeologically excavated over the past 26 years, and results have shown that Gibraltar was last refuge for the Neanderthals around 32,000 years ago.. An international, multi-disciplinary research project has revealed the vital importance of the site in our understanding of a critical juncture in human evolution and of the Neanderthals in particular. Now there is a wealth of information on where and how the Neanderthals and early modern humans lived and behaved, what plants, birds and animals they were familiar with and ate, where they acquired materials for their tools and what their environment was like. There is evidence of their complex social behaviour, dress and unique elements including a rock engraving carved by the Neanderthals in Gorham’s Cave, which indicate their ability for abstract thought.

TOURS OF GORHAM’S CAVE
Gorham’s and Vanguard Caves are spectacularly sited on the eastern shore of Gibraltar, and visiting them is a very memorable experience. However, they are moderately difficult/difficult to access on foot. No visits are allowed within 48 hours of bad weather, and visits may have to be postponed at short notice if the weather is adverse.

Areas of the sea cave complex that can be visited and numbers of visitors allowed may vary from time to time. The standard tour, for up to 5 people, is to the entrance of Gorham’s Cave, but not inside, in order to protect the fragile archaeological deposits. All visits must be escorted by guides from the Gibraltar National Museum.

Lower St Michael’s Cave
Whilst the upper section of St Michael’s Cave has been known for over 2000 years and used for various purposes such as a hospital during World War II, it was only in 1942 that Lower St Michael’s Cave was discovered – accidentally by the sappers whilst driving a tunnel into the lower reaches to provide a secondary exit. A cavern was discovered, with several chambers, which may have been sealed for 20,000 years.

The cavern is of extraordinary beauty, glimmering with white, grey and red stalactite columns, resembling a cathedral with pulpit, chancel and organ pipes. This extraordinary beautiful cavern is remarkable for three reasons: the size of the main chambers, the profusion and variety of calcite formations, and last but not least – a lake of crystal clear water, nearly forty yards long estimated to hold 45,000 gallons.

Today there are organised tours into Lower St Michael’s Cave available to the general public. The tour normally lasts around three hours. However, due to the fact that there is some scrambling and minor climbing with ropes involved, duration times may vary. The cave is totally in its original natural state (although it is fully lit). One of the sites visited during this tour is a beautiful underground lake and fortunately for the visitor, who will no doubt not want to forget this wonderful speleological experience, photography is permitted.

Mediterranean Steps
Mediterranean Steps is a steep, at times arduous, walk and is not for people without a head for heights. Early mornings are usually preferable, but during the summer months a late afternoon walk will provide the visitor with plenty of much-needed shade. The area is particularly appealing during the spring, when the visitor is greeted by an interesting and very beautiful array of flowers. Mediterranean Steps take the walker from Jews’ Gate on the southern end of the Nature Reserve at 180m above sea level, up towards O’Hara’s Battery at 419m, close to the summit of the Rock.

The path runs mainly along the eastern side of the Rock, an area that is comprised primarily of cliffs and low Mediterranean scrub. The walk starts beside Jew’s Gate Cemetery, leading south through some dense maquis, which gradually opens out, from which the walker is afforded a spectacular view of North Africa across the Strait. From here, we continue along a narrow path that borders along the edge of cliffs and at this point we begin to appreciate the silence and serenity that this path has to offer, and the cries of the yellow-legged gulls are frequently all that can be heard. Carrying on north along this path past the steps leading upwards, we begin to ascend a steep flight of steps that leads to the Goat’s Hair Twin Caves – it is amazing to consider that these caves, were once at sea level! Excavations and research work indicate that prehistoric people once lived on the Rock and inhabited many of our caves, including those found on Mediterranean Steps which is in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continuing the climb, we reach a building that was constructed by the military during WWII. Here, we finish the first flight of steps, and commence a path that leads through a small tunnel and on towards some WWII fortifications.

We now reach a platform that offers the visitor a unique view northwards. The path winds its way upward, and starts to get steeper. Looking up towards the top of the Rock, we can now see the zig-zagging stairway that hugs the cliff and leads to the end of the walk. Here, we also encounter another set of WWII fortifications. Following the track, the walker arrives at the base of the cliff, where the final flight of steps subjects the visitor to a last, strenuous effort in order to reach the summit.

Halfway up these steps we find Spider Cave, a small hollow that was used during WWII. At the summit immediately to the south lies Lord Airey’s and O’Hara’s Batteries two 9.2 inch guns, found at these emplacements installed at these sites during WWII, and were last fired by the Royal Gibraltar Regiment in 1972. This is where the walk ends, one can then either retrace their steps, or preferably follow the road down to St. Michael’s Cave or northbound towards Prince Philip’s Arch.

Nature Trails
The Gibraltar Nature Reserve, particularly its Upper Rock area, is renowned for its unique trails that meander through the extent of the Reserve. These combine the Nature Reserve’s natural beauty and stunning views with some sites of historic interest that do not feature widely as part of the more mainstream ‘Rock tours’. Notable trails include Mediterranean Steps, Inglis Way, Royal Anglian Way and Douglas Path. One of the key objectives of this plan is to diversify the products available within the Gibraltar Nature Reserve.

In order to help meet this requirement, a thematic trail network approach has been adopted. Different trails therefore cater for different visitor expectations and abilities. In addition, the trails are intersected by ‘trail nodes’ which correspond to some of the main attractions within the Reserve such as Jews’ Gate, the Moorish Castle and St. Michael’s Cave. Four trail networks have been developed namely the ‘Nature Lover’, the ‘History Buff’, the ‘Thrill Seeker’ and the ‘Monkey Trail’. Each trail has its own logo to help guide the user. As part of the revamped trail network a new Gibraltar Nature Reserve Application (GNR App) has been developed which is available on iTunes and Android platforms.

Outdoor interpretation and green area at Europa Point
A new outdoor interpretation and green area has recently opened at Europa Point at the former site of ‘Le Farol’ outlet. The location has been transformed into an open leisure area whilst the existing magazine on the site displays panels with information on the heritage and wildlife both of Europa Point and the nearby Gorham’s Cave Complex World Heritage site. There are paths throughout the site as well as benches, affording magnificent views across the Strait. Furthermore, flora of the area have been implemented and will shortly be supplemented with other hardy local species currently being grown off-site and in the surrounds.

St Michael’s Cave
St Michael’s Cave was long believed to be bottomless. This probably gave birth to the story that the Rock of Gibraltar was linked to the Africa by a subterranean passage under the Strait of Gibraltar. The famous macaques were said to have come to Gibraltar through this subterranean passage. Pomponious Mela, one of the earliest geographers who lived about the beginning of the Christian era, spoke about the cave in his writings.

It was at one time believed that in 1704 Spanish troops spent a night in the cave after climbing the precipitous east face of the Rock. Another story about the cave recounts how a Colonel Mitchell and another officer were said to have descended into the cave at some unspecified date before 1840 and were never seen again. During WWII the cave was prepared as an emergency hospital, but was never used as such. The cave is open to visitors and makes a unique auditorium for concerts, ballet and drama.

It has been in use as a theatre since the early sixties with capacity for 600 persons. At some period during the history of this cave, part of a stalagmite became too heavy on one side and fell, possibly thousands of years ago. It now lies on its side at the far end of the main chamber, cemented through the years by nature to the floor of the cave. In 1972 a slice was cut off from the top end which revealed the interior structure of the stalagmite in a most dramatic fashion.

The Great East-side Sand Slopes and former Water Catchments
A brief history
The Great Eastside Sand Slopes form an extensive area (approximately 45 hectares) of largely consolidated windblown sands that extend from above Sandy Bay in the south to Catalan Bay to the North. These sands, which contain a high percentage of uniform quartz grains, originated outside Gibraltar, since there are almost no quartz-bearing strata on the Rock. The sand slope was formed during the Quaternary period, when the area to the east was a dry sandy plain and wind action deposited the sand upon existing scree breccias and boulder conglomerate (Rose & Rosenbaum, 1991). At one time, the Talus slopes to the north and south, together with the Sand Slopes, formed one contiguous mass. However, the Catalan and Sandy Bay quarries, opened by the Admiralty in 1895 to provide material for the Dockyard extensions, isolated the Eastside Sand Slopes from the Talus slopes. The talus extremities, located below the major cliff faces – namely Spyglass and Rock Gun – seem to have accumulated the largest quantity of rock boulder material. This has formed the conglomerate scree breccias but is still covered by a sandy layer. The central portion, where the Eastside Sand Slopes are located, has undergone less rock deposition from above, but has a greater accumulation of windblown sands, substantially differentiating this geological structure from the adjacent Talus slopes. Drawings from the 1800s depicting Catalan Bay show that the Sand Slope was almost devoid of vegetation and this confirms the presence of goats and grazing activity. In 1903, the City’s Chief Engineer came up with a plan to cover the 10 acre slope with corrugated iron sheets to collect potable water. This resulted in most of the Sand Slope habitat being lost and with it, a number of plant and animal species including the Black Wheatear (Oenanthe leucura) which probably relied on this habitat.

The water catchments were deemed obsolete in 1991 with the advent of desalination plants in Gibraltar, thus promulgating their removal and restoration of the habitat in the 1990s. The restoration process was extremely laborious and consisted of the removal of the corrugated iron sheets, followed by the installation of a biodegradable mesh to stabilise the slope. A reseeding programme followed thereafter, using native grasses and shrubs in close consultation with the GONHS. This was carried out by experts from the Gibraltar Botanic Gardens. In addition to the removal of the water catchment and the reseeding of the slopes, a complex network of strong rockfall protection fencing was installed.

World Heritage Status
The Gorham’s Cave Complex is the name given to the area covering some 28 hectares on the eastside of Gibraltar from sea level to the top of the Rock. In July 2016, it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its exceptional testimony to the occupation, cultural traditions and material culture of Neanderthal and early modern human populations through a period spanning approximately 120,000 years. The striking cluster of sea level caves contain archaeological deposits that provide evidence of Neanderthal and early modern human occupation of Gibraltar, and the landscape setting and natural species which assist in presenting the natural resources and environmental context, including climatic conditions, of Neanderthal life. The Gibraltar Nature Reserve, including the Great Eastside Sand Slopes, form part of the buffer zone to the World Heritage site and together they represent over 40% of the territory of Gibraltar.

Water Catchments – A colossal feat of engineering
The first catchment area of this type (an entirely original idea conceived by the then City Engineer of Gibraltar) was constructed in 1903 on the sand slopes of the east side of the Rock, which has an average inclination of 1½ to 1. These slopes had big boulders embedded in them, which were blasted away, the surface trimmed as even as possible and a channel and footpath constructed at the lower perimeter of the collecting area. Into these trimmed sand slopes timber piles 91500mm x 150mm x 40mm) were driven their full length, to these a timber framing of purlins (75mm x 75mm x 4500mm) and rafters (75mm x 75mm x 2400mm) were nailed and on these, corrugated galvanised iron sheets 2400mm x 900mm were secured by means of drive-screws all round their edges. All timbers had been previously treated with creosote forced in at a pressure of 170 lbs per square inch.

Roughly, each hectare covered, took: 5928 rafters, 1112 purlins, 1161 piles; 5928 sheets, 2920 kgs of screws and 850 kgs of washers.

Channels: The collecting channels were designed to convey a maximum of 102 mm of rain per hour on an area of about 14.97 hectares (this being the area available for eventual conversion into catchments). The access footpaths along the channels were incorporated in the design to act as a relief channel fed by an overflow system and itself overflowing through pipes down to sea. The main channel in the east west tunnel had a valve via which water could be diverted into a natural fissure and eventually down to the sea. Water from the first rains, which washed the dirt from the catchments, was flushed away in this manner.

Reservoirs: Between 1911 and 1914 reservoir No 5, of 9,091 cubic metres capacity, was excavated from the rock by means of enlarging a tunnel driven parallel to the channel tunnel and some 7.6 metres below it. The tunnel was enlarged on either side to form a chamber some 12.2 metres high 13.1 metres wide and 121.9 metres in length. After the excavation works were completed and all loose rocks removed, the floor was concreted in two layers, a 150 mm levelling layer of mass concrete followed by a 150 mm slab of 1:2:4 concrete using Portland cement and 35mm stone as coarse aggregate. The walls were constructed using two skins each of 114 mm space between the back wall and the rock face was filled with mass concrete and the 150 mm cavity filled with a Portland cement, 1:1 mortar mixed with 5% water proofing agent. The floor received a 50 mm Portland cement, 1:1 mortar screed and finally rendered with a 19 mm layer containing 5% of water proofing agent. The walls were cement plastered in 3 coats using a 3:1, 2:1 and 1:1 with 5% water proofing agent mix. The last layer of wall plaster and floor render was steel trowelled. Nothing was done to the roof as the rock over the span used is self-supporting.

The catchment area was increased by a further 5.66 hectares and, in 1928, a further reservoir (No 6) was constructed similar to reservoir No 5, but of half its length and with a capacity of 4,545 cubic metres. Each reservoir is connected to the main channel by means of large diameter pipes with valves to control the entry of water into them. They are now also connected to the pumping mains conveying water from other sources. Between 1928 and 1945 four more reservoirs (Nos 7 to 10) were excavated from the rock adding a further 18,181 cubic metres to the storage capacity. It is interesting to note that reservoir No 10, which had been excavated but not completed at the time of World War II, contained a barracks built to house a detachment of the “Black Watch” regiment under bombproof conditions. The construction of these reservoirs follow the original pattern except that they are offset from the pilot tunnel thus providing access to their supply mains. Outlet valves for supply and cleansing are operated from within the reservoirs by means of long spindled hand wheels.

Each reservoir has an overflow onto the pilot tunnel and via the tunnel into the natural fissure. The last reservoirs (Nos 11 and 12) were constructed 1958-1961 at a lower level, reached from the east side, opposite Catalan Bay. These were constructed to receive rain from a further extension of 4.05 hectares of catchment at a lower level on the east side slopes. These brought up the total number of potable water reservoirs to 12 plus the Moorish Castle reservoir providing a total storage capacity of some 72,727 cubic metres.

American War Memorial
This memorial was erected by The United States of America to commemorate the achievements and comradeship of the American and British Navies in this vicinity during World War 1. Inscriptions on plaques at the memorial;- Operation Torch: In memory of the British and American military who risked their lives in the liberation of North Africa in World War II.

The lessons learned and relationships forged between these forces during this campaign ultimately led to the liberation of Europe; USS Chauncey: Sacred to the memory of the officers and men of the USS Chauncey who, during the World War lost their lives on 19 November 1917, while engaged on patrol duty off the Strait of Gibraltar. US Coast Guard Tampa and US Coast Guard Seneca: Sacred to the memory of the one hundred and fifteen officers and men of the US Coast Guard Cutter Tampa sunk by enemy submarine in the Bristol Channel on the 26 September 1918 when all on board were lost.

And to the memory of the eleven officers and men of the US Coast Guard Seneca lost in bravely endeavouring as volunteers to salvage the torpedoed British Steamer Wellington in the Bay of Biscay on the 17 September 1918; The First US Naval Mediterranean Squadron, dispatched by President Thomas Jefferson to protect American interests in the Mediterranean. The Squadron’s first port of call was Gibraltar on 1 July 1801, and the first documented gun salute fired by the US Navy in the Mediterraneanwas to Lt Gen O’Hara, Governor of 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.

Bedenham Memorial
On Friday 27th April 1951, whilst tied up alongside ordnance wharf near a point now called Bedenham Steps, the naval armament vessel RFA BEDENHAM, loaded with 500 tons of ammunition, blew up, causing 13 deaths and widespread destruction throughout the city of Gibraltar. In 2001, on the 50th anniversary of the explosion a plaque was placed by the Gibraltar Heritage Trust in memory of all who perished.

Blackwatch Memorial
Situated at the eastern end of Devil’s Tower Road, this cairn was erected as a memorial to the 4th Btn. The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) and 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.

British War Memorial
Unveiled by the then Governor Sir Charles Monro on the 27th September 1923 and is the work (on Carrara marble) of Jose Piquet Catoli of Barcelona. There are two Russian guns close by which were brought to Gibraltar in 1858 captured during the Crimean War. Four of those guns were presented to the City of Gibraltar for the valuable help given to Britain and her armed forces during the war. The other two guns are situated at the main entrance to the Alameda Gardens.

Casemates Square
The square takes its name from the British-built Grand Casemates, a casemate and bombproof barracks completed in 1817. Located at the northern end of Main Street, the square is lined with numerous pubs, bars and restaurants. Strategically positioned at the entrance of Main Street in the heart of Gibraltar’s shopping district, this lively area was once the site of public executions. Following the refurbishment of the square in the 1990s to replace a car park which occupied half the square, it is the site for al fresco restaurants, cafés and bars, and has become the hub of nightlife in Gibraltar. The square is also used to host various major cultural events from live open-air concerts, grand military parades, National Day celebrations and New Year’s Eve parties.

Chatham Counterguard
Orange bastion was rebuilt by the British on the site of an older and larger Spanish bastion along the Line Wall Curtain. In 1758 the main face of the bastion held six guns intended to fire out on ships located almost immediately on the other side of the defensive wall. In the 1790s, Sir William Green oversaw improvements to Gibraltar’s defences and arranged for a counterguard to be constructed in front as additional defences. This 1823 counterguard which was originally named ‘Orange Counterguard’ was later renamed to Chatham Counterguard after the Earl Of Chatham who was the Governor of Gibraltar from 1821.

The counterguard protected Orange Bastion as the enemy would have to capture the counterguard before taking it on. Nowadays this important historical wall and it’s vaults have been transformed into a lively strip of restaurants and bars, some of which provide regular music and cultural events. The strip, although still retaining its heritage importance, is particularly lively in the evenings with international eateries, wine tasting and music for all tastes

City Under Siege
Whilst it is true that during the early part of the British occupation of Gibraltar most of the population were members of the Armed Forces, and in particular the Army, the civilian population also contributed to the war effort and played an important role in the life of the Garrison. The buildings in which this exhibition is housed are probably amongst the first buildings ever constructed by the British in Gibraltar, thus dating back to the beginning of the 18th century. Originally it is thought that they were built as magazines to store ammunition and that the building in the courtyard, part of which can still be seen today, was used as a laboratory to prepare ammunition. The area is known as Willis’s Magazine although there is no record of who Willis was and why it was given that name.

Undoubtedly the most important aspect of the building is the graffiti that can be seen on the walls, the earliest of which dates back to 1726. It is thought that soldiers mounting guard in the area used to spend their time drawing graffiti so as not to fall asleep during the long hours of duty, an offence punishable by death in those days. There is much graffiti, all equally interesting, yet there are two outstanding ones featuring a drawing of a galleon together with a graffiti attributed to Sergeant Major Ince, the architect of the Great Siege Tunnels. In this area the visitor can also see the water cisterns used in those days together with the drainage system.

The various exhibits within this area of great historical value depict scenes of how the civilian population lived during those hard times and relate the quaint and often fascinating stories that have passed down to our days of how the first British settlers of Gibraltar had to cope with life.

LAW AND ORDER
Under siege conditions, the mixture of tension, boredom, anger and alcohol meant that discipline had to be strict if order was to be preserved. One of the most common forms of punishment was flogging with a nine tailed whip. A drummer in a regiment, which later became the Lancashire Fusiliers, achieved fame as the most flogged man in the British army. In his first 14 years here he received 30,000 lashes, of which 4,000 were administered in a single year.

FOOD
To preserve stocks of flour, General Eliott stopped his soldiers from powdering their hair and to set everyone a good example he even lived for a week on 4 ounces of rice a day. The high prices that could be charged for even small quantities of poor quality food tempted ships from North Africa to smuggle supplies past the enemy, but civilians often survived on little more than grass, seaweed and wild onions. During the Great Siege a cabbage cost the equivalent of two and a half days of a soldier’s pay while the head and feet of a sheep sold for more than three weeks wages!

EXODUS
To escape the bombardment people gradually abandoned their homes, until the whole population had settled south of the city in tents and ramshackle huts made from timber salvaged from their ruined houses.

This encampment between South Barracks and the Mount was at first called New Jerusalem but because of the dreadful conditions it quickly became known as “Black Town”. Even General Elliot moved his headquarters to a tent above the area known as “Red Sands”

DIG FOR VICTORY
The besieged population lacked fresh vegetables and citrus fruits, important sources of vitamin C. Vitamin C deficiency cause the flesh to blacken and can cripple and kill. To combat this deadly condition, which almost forced the city to surrender, soldiers and civilians were ordered to grow food wherever possible. General Elliot must have taken a very keen interest since he was, most unusually for this period, a strict vegetarian

DEATH AND DISEASE
During the siege, many people on a poor diet were closely confined for long periods in unsanitary conditions.

It is hardly surprising that smallpox, yellow fever, influenza, dysentery and scurvy thrived. By the end of the first year of the Great Siege, smallpox, alone had killed over 500, with the highest mortality rate amongst the children. Although the chart below contains details of the military losses, it quite clearly shows that diseases were much more dangerous than cannon balls.

Cross of Sacrifice
The Gibraltar Cross of Sacrifice is a war memorial designed by Sir Reginald Blomfield in 1917, and his monument is found in numerous Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemeteries. The cross in Gibraltar was erected by the Royal Engineers for the commission, and unveiled on Armistice Day 1922. The inscription reads:

1914-1918 1939-1945

The cross in this forecourt is similar to those raised throughout the world in grateful and undying remembrance of the sacrifice made by the sailors, soldiers and airmen from all parts of Commonwealth who died during the two World Wars. The officers and men whose names are honoured on the panels nearby were buried at sea. With their comrades who lie buried in the North Front cemetery and in the Jewish cemetery they gave their lives in Gibraltar whilst serving the Country.

Evacuation Memorial
Following the outbreak of the Second World War in September 1939, the British Government decided that the bulk of the civilian population was removed from Gibraltar as soon as possible. This statue was erected in honour of the Gibraltarians evacuated during WWII and sent to Morocco, Madeira, Jamaica, Northern Ireland and England. British troops occupied their homes locally. The Gibraltarians who had the misfortune of being sent to London suffered at the hand German bombings. A couple of thousand men who held jobs considered essential for the war effort were not allowed to leave Gibraltar. The very accurate memorial, the work of Jill Cowie Saunders, shows families re-united after the war. Those who lived this experience find this monument very moving.

Explore the World War II Tunnels
With the entry of Italy into the War, and a powerful Germany dominating Europe, the strategic importance of Gibraltar grew. The problem of storage was urgent and vital; space became even more valuable; stores, food, and equipment had to be built up and protected, and siege accommodation was required for the troops. A tunnel system would meet these needs, and would give full protection from the then known types of air attack, as well as from sea and land bombardment.

At the start of the war, the civilian population was evacuated and the garrison was greatly increased in size. Numerous new tunnels were excavated to create accommodation for the expanded garrison and to store huge quantities of food, equipment and ammunition. The tunnelling was carried out by four specialised tunnelling companies from the Royal Engineers and the Canadian Army.

A new Main Base Area was established in the south-eastern part of Gibraltar on the Mediterranean coast, shielded from the potentially hostile Spanish mainland, and new connecting tunnels were created to link this with the established military bases on the west side. A pair of tunnels the Great North Road and the Fosse Way, were excavated running nearly the full length of the Rock to interconnect the bulk of the wartime tunnels.

The tunnels accommodated what amounted to an underground city. The entire 16,000-strong garrison could be housed there along with enough food to last them for 16 months. Within the tunnels there were also an underground telephone exchange, a power generating station, a water distillation plant, a hospital, a bakery, ammunition magazines and a vehicle maintenance workshop. The total length of the entire tunnel network inside the Rock is approximately 34 miles, 55 kilometres.

Fine Arts Gallery
The Fine Arts Association Gibraltar was started in 1998 following a request by the Ministry of Culture, however, the association’s roots really go back to around 1954 with the formation of The Calpe Artists Society who organised exhibitions every year, including the first International Painting Competition in 1962.

The main objective of the Association is to be the representative body in Gibraltar of persons engaged in Fine Arts and to promote and encourage fine arts and appreciation of Fine Arts, including the organising of exhibitions and fostering links with businesses, educational establishments and the general public and also with artists and fine arts associations from other countries.

The art scene in Gibraltar is extremely vibrant especially considering the size of Gibraltar’s population which is around 30,000. There are a large number of artists of various standards and levels of commitment currently working in the Rock and there is quite a growing art buzz around the Fine Arts Association and Fine Arts Gallery.

Flemish and Great Synagogue
Gibraltar has a Jewish community dating back some 300 years and the Great Synagogue in Engineer Lane has the distinction of being one of the oldest on the Iberian Peninsula, dating back to 1724. Guided tours of the beautiful Flemish synagogue, located in Line Wall Road, can be arranged. There are a total of four synagogues in Gibraltar. The British Garrison of Gibraltar was dependent on Morocco for food and supplies, difficult to ship out from England.

That dependence became crucial whenever Spain imposed a blockade on the colony. Jewish merchants from Tetouan in Morocco came to settle soon after Gibraltar was first occupied by British forces in 1704. They were joined here by other Jews active in the Morocco trade – from London, Leghorn and Amsterdam. The modern Jewish Community of Gibraltar may date back from the eighteenth century, even though Jews had lived on the Rock in the fourteenth century and Marranos from Andalusia had also moved here later.

Gibraltar Defence Force Statue
This statue is of a Gibraltar Defence Force soldier in summer battle dress. His guard duty posture is symbolic of the role undertaken in defence of the Rock during WWII. The monument is dedicated to all Gibraltarians who served in the Gibraltar Volunteer Corps, the Gibraltar Defence Force and the Royal Gibraltar Regiment.

Gibraltar Exhibitions of Modern Art – GEMA
The Gibraltar Exhibitions of Modern Art – G.E.M.A., located at Montagu Bastion, Line Wall road, was officially inaugurated on Tuesday 10th November by the Minister for Culture, the Hon Steven Linares. This new gallery opened with exhibition rooms dedicated to previous winners of the three main art competitions held annually in Gibraltar; The International Art Exhibition, The Young Artist Competition and The Spring Visual Arts Competition.

The public are able to enjoy over 40 artworks encompassing mostly paintings, but also sculptures, video, installation and photography. The gallery is housed within the historical Montagu Bastion, which was recently refurbished, after having been used as a store for many years. Thus now serving the dual purpose of showcasing local art talent as well as the opening up of a new site of heritage value, for locals and tourists alike.

Gibraltar Garrison Library
The Gibraltar Garrison Library was founded in 1793 by Captain (afterwards Colonel) Drinkwater, the historian of the Great Siege of Gibraltar, 1779-1783. Drinkwater had, during the Siege, ‘lamented the want of a public library in Gibraltar’. The library was completed in 1804 under the governorship of the Duke of Kent, Queen Victoria’s father. The librarian at that time was Captain Fyers (afterwards Major-General) of the Royal Engineers, but his role in the Library’s evolution went much further in that he was the architect and the driving force behind the Garrison Library building as we see it today.

The library flourished as a meeting place for the officers of the Garrison. This early history gives us a clear indication of purpose of the library as a place for training and recreation. A library was essential for young officers in training, and this is reflected in the collections which cover a number of areas such as the military sciences, travel narratives, of Mediterranean countries and cultures and of histories of countries such as India and Africa. The Gibraltar Garrison Library remained as a military library until September 2011, at which point the Library was handed over to the Government of Gibraltar.

This new chapter has also brought the Library well and truly into the twenty-first century. Recently Gibraltar’s International Literary Festival has selected the Garrison Library as its epicentre, where world class writers and speakers come together for a few days of public events within this historic building and a few others in the city.

Gibraltar National Museum and Moorish Baths
The Gibraltar National Museum is a national museum of history, culture and natural history located within the city centre of Gibraltar. Founded in 1930 by the then Governor of Gibraltar, General Sir Alexander Godley, the museum houses an array of displays portraying the Rock’s millennia-old history and the unique culture of its people. The museum also incorporates the remains of a 14th-century Moorish bath house.

History
The first known collection established in Gibraltar was due to the Reverend John White, chaplain at Gibraltar from 1756 to 1774. Encouraged by his elder brother Gilbert White, he collected zoological specimens which he studied and sent to England. He took advice from Giovanni Antonio Scopoli and also later wrote in England, what is considered the first detailed zoological account of Gibraltar. However Fauna Calpensis was never published and it and his collections are now lost. The next known recording of something that could resemble a museum dates from 1830. St Bernard’s Hospital is known to have had a room for specimens of natural history and morbid anatomy. Again, no remains of such collection are kept.

The first actual proposal to open a museum in Gibraltar was made in 1835 at a meeting of the Gibraltar Scientific Society (a group of British Army officers who met at the Garrison Library). The first museum was established in 1842, it changed its name to the Museum Society. A Mr. Frembly was elected as curator on the 19th November 1836 and although the precise location of the museum is uncertain, records show that it was housed in rented accommodation and had a large collection of varied specimens. One of the milestones of the existence of the Society, although its importance was not realised at the time, was the presentation of a fossil skull to the Society said to have been found at Forbes’s Quarry. This skull (The Gibraltar Skull or Gibraltar 1) presented on 3rd March 1848 to the Society by its secretary, Lieutenant Edmund Flint of the Royal Artillery, was later found to have been of the same type as the one found in the Neander Valley in Germany in 1856.

By 1850, the meetings became infrequent and proposals were put forward to unite the society’s museum with the Garrison Library, which had been in existence and functioning independently since 1793. The proposal was not taken forward and the collections were transferred to the Soldier’s Home where they suffered mixed fortunes. Gibraltar had lost its first museum.

In the ensuing years, correspondence was passed between Governors and various military personalities on the topic of Gibraltar needing a museum. However nothing concrete was ever done and Gibraltar was without a museum for the next 35 years.

Gustavo Bacarisas Gallery
Situated in Casemates Square, in the heart of historical Gibraltar, this gallery is the most important exhibition space of the area. Established in 2011 and named after the acclaimed Gibraltarian painter Gustavo Bacarisas, the gallery hosted the world-famous Beatles Memorabilia Julian Lennon exhibition. The gallery regularly organises exhibitions by local and international artists. Impossible to miss, the Gustavo Bacarisas Gallery is a great way to get acquainted with Gibraltarian art.

This larger gallery located at Casemates Gallery is in a perfect location. The Ministry of Culture and Gibraltar Cultural Agency also organise three main annual art competitions namely; The International Competition which is open to all, the Spring Festival Competition which is open to local residents and the Young Artist Competition aimed at local young artists. Gibraltarian art, lead by the Fine Arts Association and in partnership with the Ministry of Culture and the Cultural Agency is heading towards a new Renaissance.

Irish Town
Irish Town is at the commercial heart of the city of Gibraltar. In the period when Gibraltar was Spanish, the street was called the Calle de Santa Ana. It was also the venue for a convent for nuns, founded in 1587. When Gibraltar was taken from Spain by an Anglo-Dutch force in 1704, The Convent of Santa Clara was abandoned by the nuns and the convent of La Merced was taken over by the Royal Navy as a storehouse and apartments for the victualling clerks. In due course, the street became known as Irish Town.

The original Irish residents were probably Irish women immigrants who came to Gibraltar in late 1727 and early 1728. They were sent out to provide female company for the troops. The street is currently a location for a synagogue, a former meat market, former warehouses and a merchant house – an example of this can be seen in Sacarello’s coffee shop. The ground floor was a merchant’s shop and the first floor was a store, accessed from the street by a winch on the exterior of the building.

Probably the most significant public building on Irish Town is the former Victorian police station of 1864 and was the headquarters of the Royal Gibraltar Police until 1984.

The bustling commercial Irish Town, in the early 20th century, included tobacco factories, coffee roasting works, and many shipping offices. The character of the street changed in the latter 20th century when the street was pedestrianised. In addition to its traditional activities and its many shops, the street embraced a new leisure and gastronomic character with its numerous shops, bars and restaurants.

Jews’ Gate Cemetery
An old Jewish Cemetery, used up until 1848, tucked away behind the trees, a fascinating piece of history that reflects the important role the Jewish people have played in moulding Gibraltar’s history.

John Mackintosh Hall
The John Mackintosh Hall Cultural Centre was opened by the Governor and Commander in Chief General Sir Dudley Ward on the 8th April 1964, containing a public library, a theatre / conference Hall, gymnasium, spacious halls for exhibitions and other public functions, and a wing for education. In the course of time, ideas about the use of the building have been modified, certain rooms have been put to entirely new uses, and an increasing emphasis has been given to adult and cultural activities.

The library now occupies the entire east side of the building and the theatre which was originally thought of as a multi-purpose school hall has changed in character so that it is now better suited to conferences – being fully equipped with simultaneous translation equipment – lectures, music and drama. It has fixed seating and additional space in the circle. It is fully air conditioned and provides for stage productions with modern lighting and equipment, whilst not claiming to be a professional theatre.

King’s Bastion
The King’s Bastion Leisure Centre, a fusion of history, heritage and leisure, offers an array of social activities open daily and is a non-smoking zone which operates a zero tolerance policy.

FACILITIES
– Amusement Arcade – selection of arcade machines for all ages plus pool tables
– Internet Lounge – 8 internet stations & chill out area with sofas
– Reception & management offices – information desk, suggestions, complaints, lost and found property
– King’s Bowl & Bar (14 lane bowling & 4 lane junior bowling)
– Rock Bastion Restaurant – full dining facilities with menu choice – Cafeteria / Shop
– Fitness Gym
– Ice Rink (50 ice skaters at any one time)
– Cinema exits to South and North Terraces leading to South Terrace
– Boyd’s Wine Bar & Lounge – serves alcoholic drinks to adults only
– Events area
– Disco provides dancing area
– Just For Kids – Children’s play area

Lord Nelson Memorial
Outside Trafalgar Cemetery stands a life-size, bronze statue of Lord Nelson by British sculptor John Doubleday. Erected by the Government of Gibraltar on the 200th anniversary of The Battle of Trafalgar and unveiled by the Chief Minister, The Hon. Peter Caruana in October 2005. The cemetery opposite the monument has tombs of two sailors who died as a consequence of wounds inflicted during the Battle of Trafalgar 21 October 1805.

Mario Finlayson Art Gallery
Since the formation of the Calpe Artists Society in 1954, the local art fraternity had dreamt of the setting up of a Gibraltar National Art Gallery to exhibit and celebrate the work of highly talented local artists. A location was sought for the gallery, and it was decided that there would be no better place for it than the City Hall, a historical building of grandeur and beauty. The Housing Department, which had occupied the building for many years, was thus moved to another location and works commenced on a refurbishment programme to accommodate the art gallery.

Gibraltarian artist Mario Finlayson BEM was, for many years, a leading and staunch campaigner in the quest for a National Art Gallery in Gibraltar. In January 2015, Gibraltar Cultural Services, on behalf of the Ministry of Culture, organised an art exhibition dedicated to the artistic life and works of Mario Finlayson, now considered the doyen of Gibraltar’s fine arts, having dedicated his whole life to the cause. At the inauguration of this exhibition, the Chief Minister of Gibraltar, The Hon Fabian Picardo QC MP, announced that the Gallery would be be named “The Mario Finlayson National Art Gallery”.

Monument of General Eliott
General Don had commissioned a memorial of George Augustus Eliott, 1st Baron Heathfield in 1815, which did not materialise in the form initially requested. A colossal statue of General Eliott, carved from the bowsprit of the Spanish ship San Juan Nepomuceno, taken at the Battle of Trafalgar was first created. That statue was taken to the Governor’s residence, The Convent, where it stands today, being replaced by the present bronze bust in 1858. This statue is guarded for four 18th-century howitzers.

O’Hara’s Battery
O’Hara’s Battery is located at the highest point of the Rock of Gibraltar. This battery owes its name to General Charles O’Hara, Governor of Gibraltar between 1795 and 1802. General O’Hara considered that, if he could raise a tower on this summit south of the Rock, he could observe the movements of the enemy in the port of Cádiz, located 60 miles away (about 100 km).

Its tower was constructed, but it was not successful, reason why the garrison denominated this construction O’Haras’s Folly (the madness of O’Hara). It survived until 1888, when the discussion about its imminent demolition made it the object of a bet between the garrison artillerymen and the artillery officers of HMS Wasp. The HSP Wasp used its masts and rigging to raise its cannons at high altitude and started bombing the tower. The sixth shot destroyed it completely … So they could leave with the honor intact. The first 6-inch cannon was mounted in 1890, but was replaced in 1901 by a 9.2-inch cannon with a range of 29,000 yards (26 km), aided to some extent by its height above sea level.

Outdoor interpretation and green area at Europa Point
A new outdoor interpretation and green area has recently opened at Europa Point at the former site of ‘Le Farol’ outlet. The location has been transformed into an open leisure area whilst the existing magazine on the site displays panels with information on the heritage and wildlife both of Europa Point and the nearby Gorham’s Cave Complex World Heritage site. There are paths throughout the site as well as benches, affording magnificent views across the Strait. Furthermore, flora of the area have been implemented and will shortly be supplemented with other hardy local species currently being grown off-site and in the surrounds.

Parliament House
In 1817 local merchants raised money by public subscription to construct a building to house the Exchange and Commercial Library. In 1807, Gibraltar merchants had founded a library in Bedlam Court, as they were denied membership of the Garrison Library, it being available only to members of the British garrison in the city (the Garrison Library functioned not only as a library, but as a club, owned and run by and for military officers; civilians were excluded, regardless of their prominence). Ten years later, in 1817, they erected a new building on the east side of the square. It housed not only a library, but also an auction room, and became the meeting place of local merchants. It became the Legislative Council and was inaugurated as such by the Duke of Edinburgh on 23 November 1950. Under the 1969 Constitution, the House of Assembly was established, superseding the Legislative Council. The first session of the House of Assembly, was opened in August 1969 by the then Governor Admiral Varyl Begg. The building was renamed Parliament House in 2007.

Re-Enactment Society
The Ceremony of the Keys is performed once a year by the Royal Gibraltar Regiment and re-enacted every Saturday morning at midday by the Gibraltar Re-enactment Association. Since the capture of the Rock in 1704, the Keys of Gibraltar have symbolised the possession of the Fortress by Great Britain.

The Keys have come to be regarded as the seals of office of the Governor and as such are handed over from one Governor to the next. During the Great Siege (1779-1783) the Governor General Elliot, wore the Keys at his belt constantly except when he handed them to the Port Sergeant. As the Sunset Gun was fired, the Port Sergeant, accompanied by an armed escort, would lock the gates in the North Wall at Landport, Waterport and Chatham Wicket. The Keys would be returned to the Governor.

The following morning the Port Sergeant would collect the keys again, re-open the gates and hand back the keys to the Governor for safe keeping. After peace was restored in 1783, drums and fifes accompanied the Port Sergeant and his escort to warn aliens to leave the Rock before the gates were closed. This procedure was carried out each evening without interruption for approximately 140 years and was discontinued after the First World War.

The event was then revived as a ceremony in 1933.

The Re-enactment Association sometimes vary their ceremony to their already very popular march down Main Street by incorporating a volley of gunfire from their muskets, the Napoleonic era Land Pattern Musket, aka Brown Bess and sometimes change their red and white uniforms to that of other regiments from more recent periods of Gibraltar’s rich military history.

Rooke Monument
This statue of Admiral Sir George Rooke who commanded the allied naval forces at the capture of Gibraltar was erected by the Government of Gibraltar, the Gibraltar Heritage Trust and the Friends of Gibraltar Heritage Society on the occasion of the 300th anniversary of British Gibraltar and was unveiled on the 29th November 2004.

Royal Engineers’ Monument
Presented to the people of Gibraltar by the Corps of Royal Engineers to commemorate the continuous service given by the Corps on the Rock of Gibraltar from 1704, and the formation here in 1772 of the first Body of Soldiers of the Corps, then known as the Company of Royal Artificers 26th March 1994.

Royal Marines’ Memorial
This monument marks the enduring link between Gibraltar and the Royal Marines and was dedicated in 2009 by the Commandant General Royal Marines. On 21st July 1704, the Prince of Hesse Darmstadt led some British and Dutch marines ashore near here to serve the isthmus and lay siege to the Garrison of Gibraltar following a naval assault on the New Mole, the Garrison surrendered on 26th July. Following the capture, the marines formed the largest contingent on the Rock and bore the brunt of the fighting with Spanish and French troops. Because British marines (awarded the title Royal in 1802) subsequently fought in so many actions around the globe, in 1827 King George IV decided that their colours would in future bear the symbol of “the great globe itself” and that henceforth the only battle honour on Royal Marines’ colours would be that of Gibraltar!

Sikorski Memorial
The Sikorski memorial plaque was originally sited at the east end of the runway and unveiled on the 12 January 1945. It was relocated to Europa Point and funded by the republic of Poland; inaugurated at Europa Point on 4th July 2013. General Wladyslaw Sikorski, the first Prime Minister and the first Commander in Chief of the Polish army in exile in 1939-1943, was at the time a symbol of the continuing Polish resistance to the Nazis, continuing despite the loss of own territory.

He was a symbol of Polish hopes for victory and regaining independence. This war time hero lost his life in tragic air crash in 1943 as his plane took off from Gibraltar during WWII. The Roman Catholic Cathedral in Main Street also has a memorial to this Polish patriot – this memorial is situated by the left altar. There are also two plaques, one in English and the other in Polish at the Great Siege Tunnels because the only witness to the accident watched from a lookout post at the end of the tunnel.

The Convent
When the Christians captured The Rock in 1462, a number of religious orders established themselves in Gibraltar. Franciscan fathers took up residency in the area of what today we call The Convent, in about 1480. In 1531, Francisco de Madrid paid for a chapel and for a considerable extension to the earlier Convent.

Shortly after the capture of Gibraltar by British and Dutch Forces for one of two pretenders to the Spanish throne in 1704, the Franciscan friars left. The building, probable slightly damaged during the capture, stood abandoned until 1728 when it was taken over as the palace for the military Governor. The name “ Convent” from the Spanish “Convento” (used in Spanish both for monasteries and for convents) has been used almost continuously since the first convent in the 15th century. Between 1903 and 1943 it was called “Government House”. We owe the reinstatement of the historic name to King George VI, who so ordered after his visit to Gibraltar during the 2nd WW.

The siege of 1727 caused much damage to the old building but this was small by comparison to the severe damage caused during the Great Siege (1779/83) from enemy bombardments both from land and from the sea. Major restoration no doubt commenced after the Great Siege but the most striking alterations were effected in 1863/64 under Lieutenant General Sir William Codrington KCB, the then Governor. This Governor had the Banqueting Hall rebuilt and the facade overlooking Main Street was totally changed from the back door it had been to the new attractive front entrance we now enjoy. The main staircase by the entrance probably belongs to this major renovation.

In 1951 the SS “Bedenham”, an ammunition ship, blew up in the inner harbour, but only at a distance of 360 yards. The Convent and its chapel suffered badly as did much of Gibraltar. The Banqueting Hall suffered irreparable damage to its three stained glass windows (1863).

Like many ancient buildings, the old Convent attracts a story or two but perhaps the best known is the one about the Spanish nun brought to this monastery to be executed in a rather bizarre fashion and thus becoming The Convent’s resident ghost.

The Great East-side Sand Slopes and former Water Catchments
The Great Eastside Sand Slopes form an extensive area (approximately 45 hectares) of largely consolidated windblown sands that extend from above Sandy Bay in the south to Catalan Bay to the North. These sands, which contain a high percentage of uniform quartz grains, originated outside Gibraltar, since there are almost no quartz-bearing strata on the Rock. The sand slope was formed during the Quaternary period, when the area to the east was a dry sandy plain and wind action deposited the sand upon existing scree breccias and boulder conglomerate (Rose & Rosenbaum, 1991).

At one time, the Talus slopes to the north and south, together with the Sand Slopes, formed one contiguous mass. However, the Catalan and Sandy Bay quarries, opened by the Admiralty in 1895 to provide material for the Dockyard extensions, isolated the Eastside Sand Slopes from the Talus slopes. The talus extremities, located below the major cliff faces – namely Spyglass and Rock Gun – seem to have accumulated the largest quantity of rock boulder material. This has formed the conglomerate scree breccias but is still covered by a sandy layer.

The central portion, where the Eastside Sand Slopes are located, has undergone less rock deposition from above, but has a greater accumulation of windblown sands, substantially differentiating this geological structure from the adjacent Talus slopes. Drawings from the 1800s depicting Catalan Bay show that the Sand Slope was almost devoid of vegetation and this confirms the presence of goats and grazing activity. In 1903, the City’s Chief Engineer came up with a plan to cover the 10 acre slope with corrugated iron sheets to collect potable water. This resulted in most of the Sand Slope habitat being lost and with it, a number of plant and animal species including the Black Wheatear (Oenanthe leucura) which probably relied on this habitat.

The water catchments were deemed obsolete in 1991 with the advent of desalination plants in Gibraltar, thus promulgating their removal and restoration of the habitat in the 1990s. The restoration process was extremely laborious and consisted of the removal of the corrugated iron sheets, followed by the installation of a biodegradable mesh to stabilise the slope. A reseeding programme followed thereafter, using native grasses and shrubs in close consultation with the GONHS. This was carried out by experts from the Gibraltar Botanic Gardens. In addition to the removal of the water catchment and the reseeding of the slopes, a complex network of strong rockfall protection fencing was installed.

World Heritage Status
The Gorham’s Cave Complex is the name given to the area covering some 28 hectares on the eastside of Gibraltar from sea level to the top of the Rock. In July 2016, it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its exceptional testimony to the occupation, cultural traditions and material culture of Neanderthal and early modern human populations through a period spanning approximately 120,000 years. The striking cluster of sea level caves contain archaeological deposits that provide evidence of Neanderthal and early modern human occupation of Gibraltar, and the landscape setting and natural species which assist in presenting the natural resources and environmental context, including climatic conditions, of Neanderthal life. The Gibraltar Nature Reserve, including the Great Eastside Sand Slopes, form part of the buffer zone to the World Heritage site and together they represent over 40% of the territory of Gibraltar.

Water Catchments – A colossal feat of engineering
The first catchment area of this type (an entirely original idea conceived by the then City Engineer of Gibraltar) was constructed in 1903 on the sand slopes of the east side of the Rock, which has an average inclination of 1½ to 1. These slopes had big boulders embedded in them, which were blasted away, the surface trimmed as even as possible and a channel and footpath constructed at the lower perimeter of the collecting area. Into these trimmed sand slopes timber piles 91500mm x 150mm x 40mm) were driven their full length, to these a timber framing of purlins (75mm x 75mm x 4500mm) and rafters (75mm x 75mm x 2400mm) were nailed and on these, corrugated galvanised iron sheets 2400mm x 900mm were secured by means of drive-screws all round their edges. All timbers had been previously treated with creosote forced in at a pressure of 170 lbs per square inch.

Roughly, each hectare covered, took: 5928 rafters, 1112 purlins, 1161 piles; 5928 sheets, 2920 kgs of screws and 850 kgs of washers.

Channels: The collecting channels were designed to convey a maximum of 102 mm of rain per hour on an area of about 14.97 hectares (this being the area available for eventual conversion into catchments). The access footpaths along the channels were incorporated in the design to act as a relief channel fed by an overflow system and itself overflowing through pipes down to sea. The main channel in the east west tunnel had a valve via which water could be diverted into a natural fissure and eventually down to the sea. Water from the first rains, which washed the dirt from the catchments, was flushed away in this manner.

Reservoirs: Between 1911 and 1914 reservoir No 5, of 9,091 cubic metres capacity, was excavated from the rock by means of enlarging a tunnel driven parallel to the channel tunnel and some 7.6 metres below it. The tunnel was enlarged on either side to form a chamber some 12.2 metres high 13.1 metres wide and 121.9 metres in length. After the excavation works were completed and all loose rocks removed, the floor was concreted in two layers, a 150 mm levelling layer of mass concrete followed by a 150 mm slab of 1:2:4 concrete using Portland cement and 35mm stone as coarse aggregate. The walls were constructed using two skins each of 114 mm space between the back wall and the rock face was filled with mass concrete and the 150 mm cavity filled with a Portland cement, 1:1 mortar mixed with 5% water proofing agent. The floor received a 50 mm Portland cement, 1:1 mortar screed and finally rendered with a 19 mm layer containing 5% of water proofing agent. The walls were cement plastered in 3 coats using a 3:1, 2:1 and 1:1 with 5% water proofing agent mix. The last layer of wall plaster and floor render was steel trowelled. Nothing was done to the roof as the rock over the span used is self-supporting.

The catchment area was increased by a further 5.66 hectares and, in 1928, a further reservoir (No 6) was constructed similar to reservoir No 5, but of half its length and with a capacity of 4,545 cubic metres. Each reservoir is connected to the main channel by means of large diameter pipes with valves to control the entry of water into them. They are now also connected to the pumping mains conveying water from other sources. Between 1928 and 1945 four more reservoirs (Nos 7 to 10) were excavated from the rock adding a further 18,181 cubic metres to the storage capacity. It is interesting to note that reservoir No 10, which had been excavated but not completed at the time of World War II, contained a barracks built to house a detachment of the “Black Watch” regiment under bombproof conditions. The construction of these reservoirs follow the original pattern except that they are offset from the pilot tunnel thus providing access to their supply mains. Outlet valves for supply and cleansing are operated from within the reservoirs by means of long spindled hand wheels.

Each reservoir has an overflow onto the pilot tunnel and via the tunnel into the natural fissure. The last reservoirs (Nos 11 and 12) were constructed 1958-1961 at a lower level, reached from the east side, opposite Catalan Bay. These were constructed to receive rain from a further extension of 4.05 hectares of catchment at a lower level on the east side slopes. These brought up the total number of potable water reservoirs to 12 plus the Moorish Castle reservoir providing a total storage capacity of some 72,727 cubic metres.

Following the ceasing of operations, of the catchments as a source of potable water the reservoirs are currently used as service reservoirs and as storage reservoirs providing substantial water reserves.

The Great Siege Tunnels
The labyrinth of tunnels known as The Great Siege Tunnels are perhaps the most impressive defence system devised by man.

At the end of the Great Siege in 1783, the defeated Commander of the French and Spanish troops, the Duc de Crillon, on being shown the fortifications that had led to the defeat of his troops, commented “These works are worthy of the Romans”. This comment highlights the ingenuity of those men who against all odds endured the onslaught of the advancing forces and were still able to devise a unique system of defence which afforded them victory.

It was during the war of American Independence, when France and Spain made an all-out attempt to recapture the Rock from the British in Gibraltar’s 14th Siege, always called The Great Siege, which lasted from July 1779 to February 1783, that the then Governor General Eliott (later called Baron Heathfield of Gibraltar) is said to have offered a reward to anyone who could tell him how to get guns on to a projection from the precipitous northern face of the Rock known as the Notch.

Sergeant Major Ince, a member of the Company of Military Artificers, forerunners of the Royal Engineers, suggested that this could be done by tunnelling. Permission was granted, and Sergeant Major Ince started work under the direction of Lieutenant J. Evelegh, a Royal Engineer, Aide De Camp to the Governor, on May 25th, 1782.

The tunnellers relied on the strength of their arms, on their skills with a sledgehammer and a crowbar, and were also aided by gunpowder for blasting. In five weeks 18 men had driven a tunnel 8 feet square (2.40sq.m) by 82 feet long (25m) into the Rock. It is interesting to compare this with the record of a fully mechanised tunnelling company in Gibraltar during World War II, who in a week advanced 180 feet (55m).

Originally there was no intention of mounting guns in this gallery, but as the work progressed the fumes from repeated blasting almost suffocated the miners, so it was decided to open a vent to let air into the tunnel. Almost at once it was realised what an excellent embrasure this would make for a gun, so one was mounted without waiting to reach the ‘Notch ‘. Other embrasures were cut and guns mounted, and by the time the Siege ended in February 1783, the tunnel was 370 feet (113m) long and had four guns mounted in it. This first gallery was called ‘Windsor Gallery’. Sergeant Major Ince did not stop there – he went on to tunnel two other galleries called “Kings and Queens Lines” lower down the north face of the Rock.

Work did not stop with the end of the Siege, but instead of continuing straight towards the ‘Notch’, a tunnel was driven downwards and a large chamber opened under the ‘Notch’ called St. George’s Hall, where a battery of seven guns was installed. The Cornwallis Chamber was also excavated at this time. It was in St. George’s hall that Lord Napier of Magdala – Governor of Gibraltar – is said to have given a banquet in honour of General Grant, ex-president of the United States of America.

In gratitude to Sergeant Major Ince, he was given a Commission and granted a plot of land on the Upper Rock, still known today as Ince’s Farm. In addition, the Duke of Kent – Gibraltar’s Royal Governor and father of Queen Victoria – gave him a valuable horse, in 1802.

The entrance to the Upper Galleries is dominated by a Victorian 64-pounder cannon. There are other Victorian guns in the Galleries dating back to 1850, as well as an original 18th century cannon.

During the Second World War, the Royal Engineers (originally the Artificer Company during the Great Siege) including a Canadian contingent, achieved wonderful feats of engineering, adding some 33 miles (52km) of tunnels.

SERGEANT- MAJOR HENRY INCE – Source: Gibraltar Heritage Trust

Henry Ince, a Cornishman by birth was one of the first members of Green’s Company, being appointed a Sergeant on the date of formation. He was promoted Sergeant-Major in September 1781, and served not only throughout the Siege but for long afterwards. He certainly left an indelible mark on the history of Gibraltar where he had first served as a Private in the 2nd Regiment of Foot. A special rate of pay was granted to him, besides the 2s. 10d. a day as foreman.

His charge included the constant development of the Galleries. He retired in 1791, after 30 years service, but continued at the works as an overseer. He lived in a farm at the top of the Rock, which still bears his name, and became a notable figure in Gibraltar. His contribution to Gibraltar’s successful defence was considerable. Sergeant-Major Ince died on the 9th October 1808 in Gittisham and was also buried there on 14th October 1808. He died at the age of 72 years.

The Lime Kiln
Limestone has been a source of construction material in Gibraltar since the very first city was built in the twelfth century. The Arab chronicler Ibn-Juzayy commented how the white houses of Gibraltar contrasted against the red sands that were still visible in those days of the fourteenth century. Limestone has therefore been traditionally used as a raw material for mortar, used in construction. Lime Kilns, which cooked the limestone to make lime, have been around since medieval times for the production of lime mortar for construction purposes.

They were also used extensively in the 18th and 19th Centuries, and Gibraltar’s lime kilns date from this time. There were many kilns located on different parts of the Rock, but today there is one left, located on Willis’s Road. Three types of lime were produced: White lime (used in agriculture), Slaked lime (used as weak building material) and Quicklime (used in construction works).

The latter was produced by heating crushed rock up in a kiln. The end product was a very corrosive substance that was used in the old days by the authorities to dispose of bodies quickly. Quicklime was also used to make whitewash which was regularly used to paint houses and patios, a practice that seemingly goes back to the days of the fourteenth century when the Arab chronicler described his view from the Bay. Lime Kiln Steps in the Upper Town takes its name from the activity of lime production.

Limestone and lime kilns were an important economic commodity that generated activity in many trades such as stone masonry. The need for lime stone and lime mortar in Gibraltar created a thriving group of trades and industries working with lime, and also a number of related activities such as charcoal vendors who supplied the fuel for the kilns.

The Moorish Castle
The fortifications on and around the site of the Moorish Castle were first built in 1160, or earlier. These were, however, destroyed when the Spanish re-conquered Gibraltar from 1309-1333. The Tower of Homage, its main feature, dominates the hillside and the landward approach to Gibraltar. A rebuilt tower dates primarily from about 1333 AD when Abu’l Hassan recaptured Gibraltar from the Spanish. On another occasion, the Count of Niebla attacked the castle, was captured by the Medieval defenders and his body was suspended from the walls in a barcina, a net for carrying straw.

The Tower of Homage proudly displays the battle scars inflicted during the various sieges. Here a Spanish governor held out for five months against the Duke of Medina Sidonia, who took Gibraltar from his own sovereign, Queen Isabel of Spain. In 1540, hundreds of people found safety inside the castle when Turkish pirates ransacked Gibraltar. The lower castle formerly stretched all the way down to Casemates Square, the Grand Battery area and the Old Mole. It is interesting to note that the courtyard of the Moorish Castle served as a prison up until 2010.

Wellington Memorial
Three years after the opening of the Alameda, on April 1819, Sir George Don, accompanied by the Naval, Military and Civil officers of the Garrison, went to the gardens to unveil the bust of The Duke of Wellington. A Guard of Honour and four bands attended. The monument had been funded by deducting a day’s pay from all the members of the garrison. The bust had been cast in bronze from guns captured by the Duke of Wellington. It stands on a marble pillar that had been brought from the Roman ruins of Lepida (Libya).

Camp Bay & Little Bay
Camp Bay is a small rocky beach located at the south western end of Gibraltar, facing the Atlantic side of Gibraltar. It is very picturesque, with rocky cliffs as a back drop, the busy shipping area that is the Bay of Gibraltar and Parson’s Lodge Battery, an old British fortress overlooking the northern end of the bay. At the south end of the beach is a very beautiful, but un-natural waterfall exiting the cliff. This cascade is salt water returning to the sea from a water desalination plant.

The beach is a lido with two swimming pools for children and a popular bar restaurant. It is a popular beach for sun worshippers as it is south facing and being located away from the Rock itself, tends to escape any levanter clouds that may be shrouding the city centre. In addition, Camp Bay is home to what is claimed to be Europe’s first artificial reef. The reef was created by activists who were concerned at the scarcity of marine life. This has since created a haven for marine life and is a popular diving site.

At the south end of Camp Bay there is a smaller bathing area, appropriately called Little Bay, much smaller in size. Little Bay is a natural cove and also provides a little swimming pool for children.

Catalan Bay
Catalan Bay, known in Spanish as ‘La Caleta’, is a small bay and fishing village in Gibraltar on the eastern side of the Rock away from the main city. The true origin of the name of Catalan Bay is unknown, but a couple of theories exist: the first suggests that the bay is named after a group of around 350 Catalan (from Catalonia) military men believed to have settled here after having assisted the Anglo-Dutch forces who captured Gibraltar during the War of Spanish Succession on 4th August 1704.

However, no evidence exists to prove that Catalans settled in Catalan Bay and although this theory is regularly used as the supporting argument for the origin of the name, it is only a supposition that they ever did. The Spanish name ‘La Caleta’ (meaning small cove or bay) considerably pre-dates that of Catalan Bay. Therefore, since it has been called ‘La Caleta’ for much longer than it has ever been called Catalan Bay, the second theory and the most probably just in 1704 on the capture of Gibraltar by an Anglo-Dutch combined operation, that expedition landing in that place around 350 Catalan followers of Charles of Austria.

The third theory suggests quite simply, that the latter could simply be an English mispronunciation of ‘Caleta’. Historically, Catalan Bay had been populated by Genoese fishermen who were part of a much larger settlement pattern along the eastern coast of The Rock during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. In the eighteenth century Genoese was so widely spoken in Gibraltar that Government notices were also published in this language (alongside English and Spanish). Genoese was spoken in Catalan Bay well into the nineteenth century, dying out in the early decades of the twentieth century.

There has been some discussion that the British may have mixed up Catalans with Genoese but it is by no means clear why they should suffer such a confusion, especially since there is other evidence which demonstrates that the British were perfectly aware that the residents of Catalan Bay were Genoese: the orders for the siege of 1727 refer to this bay as the Genoese Cove and the numerous eighteenth and nineteenth century census record large numbers of people born in Genoa not in Catalonia.

During the nineteenth century only fishermen were permitted to live in Catalan Bay. They were required to have a fishing permit granted to them by the Governor and only a limited number of permits were issued. The families who live in the village today are mainly descendants of these Genoese fishermen and are colloquially known as ‘Caleteños’. Catalan Bay is home to the Caleta Hotel, a number of restaurants and the church of Our Lady of Sorrows. The statue of Our Lady of Sorrows is carried to the beach each September when the Bishop of Gibraltar blesses the sea in what has become the main religious festival. The round shaped rock which juts out into the sea is commonly known as ‘La Mamela’ the name given to it by the early Genoese settlers as it resembles a woman’s breast when viewed from the shore.

Eastern Beach
Eastern Beach a sandy beach, the largest on the Rock and is located on the Mediterranean coastline of Gibraltar. This bathing area is unique for a couple of reasons. It extends to the runway of Gibraltar’s International Airport and bathers are treated to witnessing flights landing and departing as they swim! Furthermore, this unique setting is also dominated by the Rock’s majestic north face, metres away from the beach itself.

The surrounding urban area is residential, with further developments expected on the newly reclaimed land to its south. There is a beach bar and restaurant located on the beach itself, a popular venue for dining on the beach front. Unlike the other beaches on the east side, which are at times deprived of sunshine by the shadow of the Rock, Eastern Beach enjoys sunshine throughout the day.

Sandy Bay
This beach was always a popular choice until violent sea storms swept most of the sand away a number of years ago. Eventually major works transformed Sandy Bay from its almost non-existent state, into a once again sizeable beach, laid and enlarged with approximately 50,000 tons of sand imported from the Western Sahara. Two curved groynes and a frontal breakwater were constructed to protect the beach from the full erosional impact of wave action and trap shifting sand. The project was also extended to include a submerged breakwater connecting the ends of both groynes. Sandy Bay again returned it to its former splendour in 2014.

Cable Car
The views from the Cable Car’s Top Station, located 412 m above sea level, are truly spectacular and it will take you only 6 minutes to get to the top.

The base station can be found alongside the Alameda Gardens at the southern end of Main Street. Once at the top you will find three terraces, each offering a unique viewpoint over the stunning surroundings. Stretched out beneath you will see two continents, two bodies of water and three countries.

If you are interested in learning more about Gibraltar’s fascinating history and wildlife diversity do not miss out on the Multimedia Tour, which you can pick up at the Cable Car Top Station complex. This personal state-of-the-art, Interactive hand-held Multimedia Guide is included in the price of an adult ticket. (Commentary is available in different languages).

You will find our tailless monkey at the Cable Car Top Station, however, please be advised that although they look cute and tame, they are wild animals and must be treated with caution and respect.

For the more energetic, a very pleasant walk from the Top Station will take you into the Nature Reserve. St Michael’s Cave is a 20-minute downhill stroll away and is well worth a visit. Other sites of interest include the Great Siege Tunnels, the “City Under Siege” Exhibition and the Moorish Castle. Entrance to all the above attractions and the 100 Ton Gun are included in the Nature Reserve ticket, which you can purchase separately from the Cable Car base station or, alternatively, from the souvenir shop at the top station.

Also located at the Cable Car Top Station is the Top of the Rock Café and the Mons Calpe Suite Restaurant where you can enjoy a bite to eat whilst enjoying the spectacular views. If you are thinking of celebrating a wedding or a special occasion during your visit to the Rock, the Mons Calpe Suite can be hired for private functions.

Coasteering
What is Coasteering?
The activity of coasteering involves making your way along the coastline usually along steep cliffs and rocky outcrops. We use a variety of techniques that may include other outdoor activities such as a zipline, scrambling, climbing, jumping, abseiling (rappelling), and swimming.

Where do we meet?
We meet at the IN2ADVENTURES Sandy Bay Activity centre, where we can start our activity enjoying our beautiful beach. We like our clients to use public transport if possible, in order to reduce our carbon footprint. Please get in touch if you need some advice.

What kind of equipment do you provide?
We provide all the technical equipment you will need for this activity; this is routinely inspected and is UIAA approved (Union International de Associaciones Alpinistas). You will be given a wet suit, safety helmet, climbing harness and associated hardware. Before we start, we will give all participants a comprehensive safety brief and how to use the equipment correctly.

How fit do I need to be?
An average level of mobility will help you enjoy the day. But this activity is easily tailored to any fitness level.

What is the minimum age that can come coasteering?
We recommend that children should be 8 or over for this activity. Please let us know if any of the participants are weak or non-swimmers.

Diving in Gibraltar
Gibraltar situated at the Gateway to the Mediterranean, boasts a spectacular marine biodiversity, with easy access from shore or boat to natural reefs and over 35 wrecks which have been part of Gibraltar’s artificial reef project since the 1980s.

Wrecks such as the 482, a Royal Navy cable laying barge sits upright in a sand flat at 17m depth and only 25m from shore is probably Gibraltar’s most visited dive site. Natural reefs which hold caverns and the elusive grouper are also found within Gibraltar’s Marine reserve.

Dolphin Watching & Boat Trips
A dolphin-watching trip is the most enjoyable way of seeing these fascinating mammals up close and there are two companies to choose from. The dolphins in the bay and strait area can be seen nearly any day, primarily the Common Dolphin, Bottlenose Dolphin and the Striped Dolphin.

Dolphins are very sociable animals, spending almost all of their time in the company of others of their species. The groups of dolphins can range from very few, to several hundred, living and working together. They will work together to gather food, help each other to sleep, to give birth to new infants or to assist when another dolphin is ill or injured. These cetaceans can be found in various haunts around the coast of Gibraltar where they feed on sardines, herring, squid, anchovies and flying fish and have been known to dive to a depth of about 280 metres.

Get to see the Rock from another point of view, see the caves on the East Side, enjoy the views of Gibraltar, Morocco, Spain.

Lower St Michael’s Cave
Whilst the upper section of St Michael’s Cave has been known for over 2000 years and used for various purposes such as a hospital during World War II, it was only in 1942 that Lower St Michael’s Cave was discovered – accidentally by the sappers whilst driving a tunnel into the lower reaches to provide a secondary exit. A cavern was discovered, with several chambers, which may have been sealed for 20,000 years.

The cavern is of extraordinary beauty, glimmering with white, grey and red stalactite columns, resembling a cathedral with pulpit, chancel and organ pipes. This extraordinary beautiful cavern is remarkable for three reasons: the size of the main chambers, the profusion and variety of calcite formations, and last but not least – a lake of crystal clear water, nearly forty yards long estimated to hold 45,000 gallons.

Today there are organised tours into Lower St Michael’s Cave available to the general public. The tour normally lasts around three hours. However, due to the fact that there is some scrambling and minor climbing with ropes involved, duration times may vary. The cave is totally in its original natural state (although it is fully lit). One of the sites visited during this tour is a beautiful underground lake and fortunately for the visitor, who will no doubt not want to forget this wonderful speleological experience, photography is permitted.

People are advised to wear stout shoes and casual clothing. Group sizes range from a maximum of ten and a minimum of five. Due to the unusual nature of this tour, children under the age of ten years are not allowed.

Magic Portal – Decode Adventures
The outdoor games, Operation Mindfall and Magic Portal are unique, immersive citywide outdoor games that incorporate the puzzles and code-cracking elements of an escape room, without the confines of a physical room.

Take to the streets of Gibraltar using the latest in augmented reality and geolocation technology to complete your mission and save the world.

Each outdoor game lasts for between 1 and 1.5 hours, we would allow 2 hours for the whole experience, which includes a quick briefing before you get started.

The outdoor games involve about 2km of walking around the city so please wear comfortable footwear.

The outdoor games will go ahead come rain or shine so we advise that you check the weather forecast beforehand. Please come prepared for all types of weather – remember sun screen and a hat on sunny days.

Mediterranean Steps
Mediterranean Steps is a steep, at times arduous, walk and is not for people without a head for heights. Early mornings are usually preferable, but during the summer months a late afternoon walk will provide the visitor with plenty of much-needed shade. The area is particularly appealing during the spring, when the visitor is greeted by an interesting and very beautiful array of flowers. Mediterranean Steps take the walker from Jews’ Gate on the southern end of the Nature Reserve at 180m above sea level, up towards O’Hara’s Battery at 419m, close to the summit of the Rock.

The path runs mainly along the eastern side of the Rock, an area that is comprised primarily of cliffs and low Mediterranean scrub. The walk starts beside Jew’s Gate Cemetery, leading south through some dense maquis, which gradually opens out, from which the walker is afforded a spectacular view of North Africa across the Strait. From here, we continue along a narrow path that borders along the edge of cliffs and at this point we begin to appreciate the silence and serenity that this path has to offer, and the cries of the yellow-legged gulls are frequently all that can be heard. Carrying on north along this path past the steps leading upwards, we begin to ascend a steep flight of steps that leads to the Goat’s Hair Twin Caves – it is amazing to consider that these caves, were once at sea level! Excavations and research work indicate that prehistoric people once lived on the Rock and inhabited many of our caves, including those found on Mediterranean Steps which is in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continuing the climb, we reach a building that was constructed by the military during WWII. Here, we finish the first flight of steps, and commence a path that leads through a small tunnel and on towards some WWII fortifications.

We now reach a platform that offers the visitor a unique view northwards. The path winds its way upward, and starts to get steeper. Looking up towards the top of the Rock, we can now see the zig-zagging stairway that hugs the cliff and leads to the end of the walk. Here, we also encounter another set of WWII fortifications. Following the track, the walker arrives at the base of the cliff, where the final flight of steps subjects the visitor to a last, strenuous effort in order to reach the summit.

Halfway up these steps we find Spider Cave, a small hollow that was used during WWII. At the summit immediately to the south lies Lord Airey’s and O’Hara’s Batteries two 9.2 inch guns, found at these emplacements installed at these sites during WWII, and were last fired by the Royal Gibraltar Regiment in 1972. This is where the walk ends, one can then either retrace their steps, or preferably follow the road down to St. Michael’s Cave or northbound towards Prince Philip’s Arch.

Nature Trails
The Gibraltar Nature Reserve, particularly its Upper Rock area, is renowned for its unique trails that meander through the extent of the Reserve. These combine the Nature Reserve’s natural beauty and stunning views with some sites of historic interest that do not feature widely as part of the more mainstream ‘Rock tours’. Notable trails include Mediterranean Steps, Inglis Way, Royal Anglian Way and Douglas Path. One of the key objectives of this plan is to diversify the products available within the Gibraltar Nature Reserve.

In order to help meet this requirement, a thematic trail network approach has been adopted. Different trails therefore cater for different visitor expectations and abilities. In addition, the trails are intersected by ‘trail nodes’ which correspond to some of the main attractions within the Reserve such as Jews’ Gate, the Moorish Castle and St. Michael’s Cave. Four trail networks have been developed namely the ‘Nature Lover’, the ‘History Buff’, the ‘Thrill Seeker’ and the ‘Monkey Trail’.

Operation Mindfall – Decode Adventures
Our outdoor games, Operation Mindfall and Magic Portal are unique, immersive citywide outdoor games that incorporate the puzzles and code-cracking elements of an escape room, without the confines of a physical room.

Take to the streets of Gibraltar using the latest in augmented reality and geolocation technology to complete your mission and save the world.

Each outdoor game lasts for between 1 and 1.5 hours, we would allow 2 hours for the whole experience, which includes a quick briefing before you get started.

Our outdoor games involve about 2km of walking around the city so please wear comfortable footwear. In Operation Mindfall, at least one person in your team will also need access to a smartphone with access to the internet and a camera – things no undercover agent should be without! Other than that, just your team and a set of working brains!

Our outdoor games will go ahead come rain or shine so we advise that you check the weather forecast beforehand. Please come prepared for all types of weather – remember sun screen and a hat on sunny days.

In instances of severe wind, rain or weather warnings, we may have to cancel your game. Games are not refundable, but if cancelled due to the weather we will contact you to let you know and reschedule your game to another time. If you do not hear from us, then please assume your game is going ahead!

Operation Mindfall A deadly virus, a top-secret research programme and 90 minutes to save the world from losing control of their minds.

Step into the midst of an undercover spy operation. Your team of secret agents have been handed classified information about Spider Tech, the company behind a top-secret research programme that, if successful, will give them the power to control the human mind.

Spider Tech have leaked a dormant but deadly virus into the global water system. In just 90 minutes time they will activate the virus from their secure HQ servers in Gibraltar and gain control of the world.

Under the code name Operation Mindfall, your team must find the anti-virus and destroy Spider Tech’s servers. Pressure from foreign governments is mounting, the clock is ticking and the fate of the world rests in your team’s hands.

Rock Escape Rooms
Rock Escape Rooms offer the ever-increasingly popular entertainment and leisure activity of escape rooms. An escape room is a live-action adventure game where players are challenged to escape from a room, or a series of rooms within a 60 minute time frame. During the escape they are tasked with beating and solving a range of challenges, puzzles and other obstacles with the objective of getting out within the time allotted. If players get stuck at a certain point, clues are available to help them towards solving that section of the game. Each game has its own immersive style, theme and story to accompany the game solving.

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 breath-taking 360º views spanning three countries and two continents and links to other sites within the Gibraltar Nature Reserve, Upper Rock 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 750m², roughly the equivalent of 4 tennis courts. The walkway is 2.5m wide and projects a maximum of 6.7m from the main structural support point. 70m of rock anchors and 30,000kg of steel secure the Skywalk to the Rock.

Stand Up Paddle
Gibraltar is an amazing place to Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP), every outing delivers unique experiences. Join us at Sandy Bay for a relaxed SUP in the stunning sheltered bay. The morning paddles provide ideal conditions to view the spectacular Rock monolith which dominates the landscape and to watch the impressive migration of birds of prey from Africa.

This is a great family activity with options to snorkel and explore the spectacular coastline of the Rock, suitable for the more adventurous.

In2Adventures is a recognised British Stand Up Paddleboarding Association School with fully trained instructors and high quality equipment. All levels and ages are welcome, from beginners to experts.

Windsor Suspension Bridge
Another of Gibraltar’s newest tourist attractions is definitely not for the faint-hearted, but those who want an adrenalin rush can visit the new suspension bridge at Royal Anglian Way. This spectacular feat of engineering is 71 metres in length, across a 50-metre-deep gorge affording visitors magnificent views of across the strait, bay and city.