A second day of touring with a visit to Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory. In the time of the Romans it was named Mons Calpe and was part of the Pillars of Hercules, the other pillar being either Mons Abyla or Jebel Musa on the African side of the Straits of Gibraltar. The Rock’s location has made it strategically important causing multiple invasions. Arabs and Berbers came over from Africa starting the Muslim 700 year occupation. This takeover was led by Tarik-ibn-Ziyad and as a monument to his victory the Rock was re-named Jebel Tarik (Mount of Tarik) which over the centuries was changed to Gibraltar. The Spanish pushed the Moors off the Rock in 1462 but lost control again during the War of Spanish Succession in 1704 to the British. Permanent control of the Rock was ceded to Brittan in 1713 and there it has remained since although Spain has made repeated attempts to get it back
There is so much to see we decided to take a private Tour to maximize our time and we are glad we did, our guide Carl is a native Gibraltarian and showed us the Rock inside and out. Highlights:
- St. Michael’s Cave – Limestone caves where Neandertals lived. Concerts are now held there.
- O’Hara’s Battery – Highest point on the Rock, has guns on it that can fire projectiles across the Straits into Africa.
- Top of the Rock – Great view and home of many Barbary macaques.
- Great Siege Tunnels – Tunnels dug by the British during one of the Spanish attempts to re-take the Rock in 1779-1983.
- World War 2 Tunnels – Tunnels dug by the British during WW2.
- Europa Point – Southern end of Gibraltar.
Ok we are tired. Down day next!
The road into Gibraltar closed due to a plane taking off. Look carefully for it!
The view from O’Hara’s Battery. The land where the gun is pointing is Morocco, the land on the very right is Spain.
The view of the east side of the rock from O’Hara’s Battery.
Inside St. Michael’s Cave.
Inside St. Michael’s Cave.
Syd gets a visit from one of the Barbary macaques living on the rock. No worries about sanitation, the monkeys are quite well cared for including full medical attention.
Top of the Rock. The mountains on the far side of the water are in Morocco.
A male Barbary macaque on his iPhone. Technically it belonged to someone else but he borrowed it to check Instagram.
Just Kidding.
Syd takes the lead in the Great Siege Caves.
Inside the WW2 tunnels.
The Government Seat of Gibraltar.
Oops…
Walking down Main St in Gibraltar.
The view from the rock across the airport into Spain. Note the road in is closed for a plane.
The view of the rock from Europa Point. O’Hara’s Battery is on top of the peak on the right.
Beach on the east side of Gibraltar. Full on a Saturday afternoon.
Top of Gibraltar. – Spherical Image – RICOH THETA
Aimed at Morocco. – Spherical Image – RICOH THETA