Gibraltar Sights and Landmarks Guide, Gibraltar

Gibraltar is an overseas territory of the United Kingdom, a patch of land in the strait of Gibraltar no larger than a small town. While many tourists ignore Gibraltar in favor of more glamorous destinations, there is more to this little corner of land than a large rock and a bay. Gibraltar can best be described like a tiny melting pot of very different cultures. Although Gibraltar has a definite British flavor (as proved by titbits such as red post-boxes and typical British phone booths), the Spanish, Moorish and Italians have left a visible imprint on Gibraltar. The ancient Greeks believed that Gibraltar was one half of the Pillars of Hercules, and while the legend might be a bit far-fetched, Gibraltar is undeniably a place of mystery and hidden treasures. This Gibraltar Sights Guide will help you discover the attractions of this exciting place.

Gibraltar Sights Guide - Natural Sights

It’s no great surprise that the main attraction of Gibraltar is the Rock of Gibraltar, the 426 meter high limestone rock that looms over the Atlantic. The rock was believed to be one of the Pillars of Hercules, sitting opposite Jebel Musa, the other pillar located in Morocco. According to some, the other pillar is actually Monte Hacho in nearby Ceuta. The upper part of the Rock is a natural reserve where you can encounter several endemic species, and also get a great bird’s eye view of the town. Gibraltar is home to a species of monkey unique in the world, the Barbary macaques, which can be observed in the Ape’s Den. The Rock hides a network of caves, St. Michael’s Caves, which can be visited if you book a tour at the Tourist Office. Concerts and various events are held in the main grotto of the cave, and there is a stylish little café just outside the entrance.

Gibraltar Sights Guide - Places of Interest

Gibraltar Museum is a great place to start if you want to know more about the history of the town. Ibrahim-Al-Ibrahim Mosque was built recently, in 1997, but it is a beautiful structure that is said to be the largest mosque in a country where Islam is not the main religion. While the Arabic influence in the town’s architecture is nowhere as obvious as in Granada or Seville, Gibraltar does have some remnants of Islamic architecture. Sadly, most of the Spanish and Arabic buildings were destroyed by the British in the 18th century, but a Turkish style bath is preserved in the museum. This Gibraltar Sights Guide recommends that you visit the Great Siege Tunnels, dug under the Rock by the British at the end of the 18th century, and the nearby Tower of Homage, the last surviving part o the Moorish Castle built in the 14th century.