ジブラルタルの天然記念物・トップ11

O'Hara's Battery is located at the highest point of the Rock of Gibraltar. The gun battery was built around 1890 and named after Governor Charles O'Hara. A 9.2-inch gun was intended to defend the Strait of Gibraltar and could theoretically fire as far as the African coast. The installation remained in military use until 1976 and is now a popular viewpoint.

Be careful, the hike is only possible up to a checkpoint; after that, you can buy the Mediterranean Steps for a bargain price of €35 per person. Absolutely extortionate for a hike that offers absolutely no value. We turned around and went back. Unfortunately, my only conclusion about the entire city is: a rip-off.

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 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 Awakening' at St Michael’s Cave An immersive light and sound installation expressing layers upon layers of history fused with the Rock. These ancient clocks now lay dormant. The Awakening illuminates these sculptures of time and reawakens their hidden story. As you journey through the cave system you will encounter these giant ancient clocks brought back to life, vast hidden forms and towering flowstones that once again are in full motion. The experience culminates within the main cavern in a 360-degree projection and light spectacle.’ The awakening show takes place every 7 minutes.

The Spanish worker on there way to Gibraltar

View from the top, with the cable car to the top

At the Skywalk you "float" over the rocks and there are always lots of monkeys in the area. If you choose the right perspective when taking photos, the glass panes make it look as if you are holding on to the horizon. Unfortunately, the floor of the Skywalk is not clear glass, but ribbed, which reduces the "thrill" considerably.

From the mountain station you have an excellent view of Gibraltar and the rest of the surrounding area. You can also see the coast of Morocco clearly when it is not cloudy, as it was during our visit. The mountain station also has a cafe with a view and a small souvenir shop. You can start the tour to the monkeys and the skywalk from up there, or take the cable car back down.

Beautiful southern tip of Gibraltar. With a lighthouse, (Polish) aviation memorial, gun emplacement and a football pitch. There is even a real local club that plays there. But with all the wind at the tip of the country, they have to play with medicine balls because normal balls always get blown away! *laughs*