Places to See

There is certainly no lack of things to do or places to visit during your stay in Gibraltar. Below we list some of the key sites to visit. Detailed information on all these can be obtained from the Gibraltar Tourist Office, Duke of Kent House, Cathedral Square, Gibraltar. Tel: 74950. Fax: 74943.

The Upper Rock

This can be reached by car but the road is narrow and winding. It is probably wiser to take one of the Rock tours organised by taxi or coach or by taking the cable car. Included in the tour are the Upper Rock Nature Reserve giving magnificent views of North Africa and the meeting of the Atlantic and Mediterranean; St Michael's Cave, the Apes Den, the historic Siege Tunnels plus Europa Point. The Nature Reserve is open daily from 0930 - 19.00.

St Michael's Cave

This is a dramatic natural grotto. There is a cross-section of a stalagmite on view, which shows the history of its growth. The cave is also used as a venue for concerts and forms a magnificent auditorium especially for classical music.

Great Siege Tunnels

During the late 18th century the sieges led to a network of tunnels being excavated into the Rock as defences. Amongst these were tunnels for a proto-type gun, the first one ever to be able to fire downwards. The tunnels are a honeycomb network covering some 32 miles. Some sections are open to the public and others by special arrangement only.

Gibraltar - a City under Siege

This exhibition demonstrates the appalling conditions the soldiers lived under during the sieges. There is graffiti dating back to the 18th century. You can also see the old water supply system.

Gibraltar Museum

Situated in the centre of town just off Main Street in Bomb House Lane. The Museum tells the history of Gibraltar from its prehistoric beginnings to the present day. The Museum is open Monday to Friday from 10.00 - 18.00. Saturday from 10.00 - 14.00. Closed Sundays.

Botanical Gardens

Situated by Grand Parade and the Cable Car terminal. The gardens opened in 1816. The gardens are a sublime area of calm away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The gardens have a wooded appearance with olives and Mediterranean stone pines plus Dragon trees and palms from the Atlantic islands.

Flowerbeds display flora from sub-tropical areas such as South Africa and Australia. Seek out the Dell with its waterfall, fountain bridge and plants - an oasis of peace.

Cable Car

The most breathtaking way to reach the top of the Rock. You can stop off at the first stage to visit the Apes Den and St Michael's Cave. Then on up to the summit where there is a restaurant and observation area. The Cable Car does not operate on Sundays.

Casino

Just up Europe Road from the Rock Hotel is Gibraltar's luxury Casino. Part of the international Ladbroke Group the bar, restaurant and gaming room operate from the evening onwards whilst the slot machine area opens at noon. For membership details phone: 76666.

City Hall

This building is on the far side of the piazza from Main Street and the House of Assembly. It houses government and the Mayor's official offices. It was opened on 24th November 1924 by the Governor, Sir Charles C. Munro and is believed to be on the site of an old hermitage.

City Gates & Fortifications

The gates and fortifications are a constant reminder of Gibraltar's military past. The Casemates Gates, which lead into the beautifully refurbished Casemates Square, were opened in 1727 and are a typical portal in the ancient City walls. Other notable landmarks worth visiting are the Charles V Wall, Devil's Tongue, Kings Bastion, Line Wall and Southport Gates.

The Convent

The official residence of the Governor since 1728. Originally it was the convent of Franciscan Friars who dwelt there from 1531.

The Ballroom, where regular classical music recitals are held, is formed from the nave of the chapel. Next door is the chapel itself. King's Chapel, is part of the original Convent, where two former Governors are buried and which displays various regimental flags. It is open to the public daily.

Cathedral of St Mary the Crowned

Situated in Main Street it is built on the site of the chief mosque. During the great sieges the constant barrage of shot and shell destroyed many of the original Spanish and Moorish buildings. However, some of the original structures can still be seen.

Moorish Castle

It is one of the first sights that greet you as you enter Gibraltar. It dates back to the 11th century and this 'Tower of Homage' is the only remaining part of the original castle complex. It now houses Gibraltar's short-term prison.

Nelson's Anchorage

The old port of Gibraltar, built by the Spanish in 1627, is still to be seen on Rosia Road. It was to this haven that HMS Victory sailed with Nelson's body after the Battle of Trafalgar. Nearby is Parson's Lodge where three 18 ton ten inch rifled muzzle loaders were once housed. These were replace during World War II with more modern weapons. Also visit the impressive 100-ton gun installed at the beginning of the last century but never fired in anger.

Trafalgar Cemetery

At the top of Main Street, beyond the Southport Gates, where many who died from the wounds from the battle of Trafalgar have been laid to rest.

Shrine of Our Lady of Europe

located at the southern end of the Rock, the shrine was originally a mosque and was converted into a chapel by the Spanish in 1462. The constantly burning light in its tower was the original Gibraltar lighthouse. The famous pirate Red Beard plundered the shrine. However, its most valuable treasure, the 15th century statue of the Virgin and Child escaped, and is still venerated there to this day. Nearby are Europa Point and the new Ibrahim-Al-Ibrahim Mosque.

Great Synagogue

Gibraltar has a large Jewish community. The Great Synagogue dating back to 1724 is one of the oldest on the Iberian Peninsula. The Flemish Synagogue, on Line Wall Road, is happy to arrange guided tours, which include a short history of the Rock's Jewish community. Also check out Jews' Gate, part of the Jewish history of the Rock, from whence you can enjoy magnificent view of the Rif Mountains.

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