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Lower St Michael's Cave: Gibraltar's Subterranean Secret

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Explore the hidden depths of Gibraltar in Lower St Michael's Cave, a stunning subterranean world of natural beauty and geological wonders.

Discovered in 1942, Lower St Michael's Cave is a hidden network of caverns within the Rock of Gibraltar. This untouched cave system features stunning speleological formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, and a crystal-clear underground lake, offering a unique and breathtaking experience for adventurous visitors.

A brief summary to Lower St Michael's Cave

Local tips

  • Book your guided tour in advance, as access to Lower St Michael's Cave is by appointment only.
  • Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes and casual clothing suitable for climbing and navigating uneven surfaces within the cave.
  • Bring a camera to capture the unique and stunning geological formations, including the underground lake.
  • Note that children under the age of ten are not permitted on the tour due to the nature of the cave exploration.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the main entrance of St Michael's Cave in the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, follow the steps and signs leading downhill towards Lower St Michael's Cave. The walk takes approximately 15-20 minutes and offers scenic views. Note that a Nature Reserve ticket is required to access this area. Once you reach the area, follow the signs to the cave entrance.

  • Public Transport

    Take a bus to the Upper Rock Nature Reserve. From the bus stop, walk towards St Michael's Cave and follow the steps downhill to Lower St Michael's Cave. The walk is approximately 15-20 minutes. Bus routes 2, 3, 4, 7, 9, 10, and N8S can get you close to the Cable Car. From the Cable Car's top station, it's a 15-20 minute walk downhill to St Michael's Cave , then follow the signs to Lower St Michael's Cave. A Nature Reserve ticket is required.

  • Taxi

    Take a taxi from the Gibraltar Cruise Liner Terminal, Land Frontier, Gibraltar Hotel, or Gibraltar Airport to the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, St Michael's Cave. From there, walk down the steps towards Lower St Michael's Cave. The taxi ride to the Upper Rock Nature Reserve will cost approximately £30-£40. A Nature Reserve ticket is also required.

Discover more about Lower St Michael's Cave

Lower St Michael's Cave, also known as New St. Michael's Cave, is a remarkable cave system hidden within the Rock of Gibraltar. Unlike the well-known St Michael's Cave, the Lower Cave remained a secret until 1942 when Royal Engineers accidentally discovered it during World War II while creating a secondary exit for an emergency hospital in the upper cave.This accidental discovery revealed a series of chambers that may have been sealed off for 20,000 years. The cave is renowned for its extraordinary beauty, showcasing a diverse collection of calcite formations. Shimmering stalactites and stalagmites adorn the cave, resembling a natural cathedral with a pulpit, chancel, and organ pipes.One of the cave's most captivating features is its crystal-clear underground lake, estimated to hold 200,000 liters of water. The cave is preserved in its original natural state, with only minimal additions of ropes and lights to ensure visitor safety. Exploring Lower St Michael's Cave involves some scrambling and minor climbing, adding an element of adventure to the experience.Guided tours are available for those who wish to explore this subterranean wonder. These tours typically last around three hours and require advance booking. Visitors are advised to wear sturdy shoes and casual clothing suitable for navigating the cave's rocky terrain. Photography is permitted, allowing visitors to capture the unforgettable beauty of this hidden gem.

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