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Pillars of Hercules: Gibraltar's Mythic Gateway

Stand at the edge of the ancient world: where myth meets the sea, offering panoramic views of two continents and a legendary strait.

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The Pillars of Hercules in Gibraltar mark the ancient edge of the known world, offering stunning views of the Strait of Gibraltar, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea. Steeped in Greek mythology, they represent the boundary between Europe and Africa and a place of immense historical and strategic importance.

A brief summary to Pillars of Hercules

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as reaching the Pillars of Hercules viewpoint involves some walking.
  • Bring a camera to capture the stunning panoramic views of the Strait of Gibraltar and the African coastline.
  • Check the weather forecast before visiting, as visibility can be affected by mist or haze.
  • Combine your visit with other attractions in the Upper Rock Nature Reserve for a full day of exploration.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Garrison Gym bus stop on Europa Road, it's an uphill walk of approximately 15-20 minutes to reach the Pillars of Hercules. Follow Windmill Hill Road. Be prepared for a moderately steep incline.

  • Public Transport

    From the Gibraltar Cruise Terminal or the frontier with Spain, take Citibus Route 5 or 10 to the Market Place in the town center. From there, transfer to Route 2 and get off at the Garrison Gym bus stop on Europa Road. The bus journey takes approximately 38 minutes. From there, it is an uphill walk of 15-20 minutes to the Pillars of Hercules. Single bus fares are around £2.20.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available at the Gibraltar International Airport, the frontier with Spain, and in the city center. A taxi ride from the airport or the city center to the Pillars of Hercules will take approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay around £10-£15 for the trip.

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Discover more about Pillars of Hercules

The Pillars of Hercules, a legendary landmark in Gibraltar, refers to the two promontories flanking the entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar. The northern pillar is the Rock of Gibraltar itself (known as Calpe Mons in ancient times), while the identity of the southern pillar (Abila Mons) remains debated, with Monte Hacho in Ceuta and Jebel Musa in Morocco as the most likely candidates. According to Greek mythology, Hercules created these pillars while performing his twelve labors. Tasked with retrieving the cattle of Geryon, Hercules split a great mountain, connecting the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. These pillars symbolized the limits of human exploration, a boundary between the known and the unknown. Ancient mariners were cautioned by the warning "Ne plus ultra" (Nothing Further Beyond), though this was later changed to "Plus Ultra" (Further Beyond) to symbolize the spirit of discovery. Today, the Pillars of Hercules offer visitors breathtaking views of the Strait of Gibraltar, where the Atlantic's greatness merges with the Mediterranean's calmness. From this vantage point, one can often see across to the mountains of the North African coast. The site serves as a reminder of Gibraltar's strategic and cultural importance throughout history.

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