WHAT TO SEE IN GIBRALTAR
THE UPPER ROCK
St Michael’s Cave
This beautiful natural grotto was prepared as a hospital during WWII, yet nowadays it is a unique auditorium. There is also a lower segment that provides the more adventurous visitor with an experience never to be forgotten, however, these tours need to be pre-arranged.
Apes’ Den
One of Gibraltar’s most important tourist attractions, the Barbary Apes are actually tail-less monkeys. We recommend that you do not carry any visible signs of food or touch these animals as they may bite. There is a maximum fine of £500 for feeding the monkeys.
The Great Siege Tunnels
The Great Siege Tunnels are an impressive defence system devised by man. Excavated during the Great Siege of 1779-83, these tunnels were hewn into the rock with the aid of the simplest of tools and gunpowder.
World War II Tunnels – Rock and Fortress
During WWII an attack on Gibraltar was imminent. The answer was to construct a massive network of tunnels in order to build a fortress inside a fortress.
Military Heritage Centre
A fascinating array of artefacts of military history housed in Princess Caroline’s Battery.
Gibraltar, a City Under Siege Exhibition
Probably one of the first buildings ever constructed by the British in Gibraltar. 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.
Moorish Castle
The fortifications on and around the site of the Moorish Castle were first built in 1160. The Tower of Homage, its main feature, dates primarily from about 1333 AD when Abu’l Hassan recaptured Gibraltar from the Spanish.
TOWN CENTRE
Casemates Square
Named after the British Barracks located at the north of the square, this area has served many purposes. Formerly the site of public executions, this commercial and social square has become the hub of social activities.
Gibraltar Crystal Glass Factory
Visitors can watch as the highly skilled glass blowers shape and work the molten glass by hand.
American War Memorial
This prominent arch was built into the main city wall in 1932 to commemorate the achievements and comradeship of the U.S. Navy and the Royal Navy during the First World War.
Cathedral of St. Mary the Crowned
Situated on the site of a mosque, the Cathedral was badly damaged during the Great Siege although some of the early structure can still be appreciated. It was converted into a Roman Catholic Cathedral soon after 1462.
Great Synagogue and Flemish Synagogue
Gibraltar has a considerable Jewish community 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 can be arranged.
Gibraltar Museum
An audiovisual presentation and galleries holding a collection of Gibraltar’s original artefacts, old prints and photographs. The Rock’s rich and diverse natural history is also represented while the lower part of the building houses what is arguably the best-preserved Moorish Bath House in Europe.
King’s Bastion
King’s Bastion was the keystone of the defences during the Great Siege. Nowadays it is in use as a leisure centre, and boasts a bowling alley, ice-skating rink and multi cinema amongst its various facilities.
Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Trinity
Despite its deceptively Moorish appearance, Holy Trinity was not laid down until 1825. Among those buried here is General Sir George Don under whose direction the cathedral was erected.
St Andrew’s Church
In the 1840s a group of ex-patriot Scots began fundraising, which resulted in the opening of St Andrew’s Church on May 30th 1854.
Garrison Library
This handsome building was inaugurated in 1793 and houses a remarkable collection of works on Gibraltar. There are weekly tours of the Library where you can discover its treasures.
King’s Chapel
A church beside The Convent where inside, beneath the colours of several British regiments, lie the remains of the wife of a Spanish governor, together with those of British governors.
The Convent
This building has been the official residence of Gibraltar’s Governors since 1728. It was once a Convent of Franciscan Friars, hence its name. A guard mount takes place at the main entrance during the week.
John Mackintosh Hall
A centre of Gibraltar’s cultural activities which contains a public library, a theatre and conference hall along with halls for exhibitions and other public functions.
Trafalgar Cemetery
A cemetery where two of those who died of wounds suffered in the Battle of Trafalgar are buried. A ceremony is held here every year, on Trafalgar Day, to commemorate Lord Nelson’s victory.
OUTSIDE TOWN
Catalan Bay Village
First settled by Genoese fishermen in the 18th century, the village was named after it was considered a haven for Catalans fleeing from Napoleon’s invasion of Spain in the 19th century.
The Marinas
There are two marinas in Gibraltar, Ocean Village and Queensway Quay, offering excellent berthing facilities, shops and restaurants.
Dolphin Watching
Visit the dolphins in their natural environment in the Bay of Gibraltar. Boat tours depart from Marina Bay / Ocean Village and the Ferry Terminal.
Alameda Botanic Gardens and Wildlife Park
This beautiful green haven, with its plants and trees is indeed a hidden gem. Also located within the gardens is a Wildlife Conservation park.
Nelson’ Anchorage – 100 Ton Gun
This impressive Victorian super gun was installed on the Rock in the late nineteenth century. The only other remaining one is found in Malta.
Shrine of Our Lady of Europe and Museum
Located at the southern end of the Rock, this shrine was originally a mosque and converted into a chapel by the Spaniards in 1462. There is a museum at the Shrine that depicts its long history.
Mosque
Built in 1997, the Mosque at Europa Point, caters for the Muslim population of Gibraltar, most of them originating from Morocco. The mosque may be visited at certain times of the day.
The Lighthouse
The Gibraltar Lighthouse is the only one regulated by Trinity House outside the UK. It dates back to 1841 and stands 49 metres above sea level with a range of some 37 kilometres.
GETTING AROUND
Cable Car
Running since 1966, the Cable Car takes you to the top of the Rock where you can witness breathtaking views and the famous monkeys.
Bus Tours
Book an excursion with a local tour operator prior to visiting the Rock or if you are staying in a local hotel.
Taxi Tours
Visit the Upper Rock attractions in the comfort of a taxi with a personal guide.
Source: Gibraltar Tourist Board, Casemates Square, Tel: +350 20045000, E-mail: information@tourism.gov.gi
