St. Michael's Cave: A Subterranean Spectacle

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Explore Gibraltar's iconic limestone cave, a historical landmark with stunning natural formations and a captivating light and sound show.

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Saint Michael's Cave

St. Michael's Cave, a network of limestone caves in the Upper Rock Nature Reserve of Gibraltar, has captivated visitors for millennia. From ancient origins shrouded in myth to its use as a WWII hospital, the cave blends natural beauty with a rich history, offering stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and a mesmerizing light and sound show.

A brief summary to Saint Michael's Cave

St Michael Rd, Gibraltar, GX11 1AA, GI
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Monday 9:30 am-6:45 pm
Tuesday 9:30 am-6:45 pm
Wednesday 9:30 am-6:45 pm
Thursday 9:30 am-6:45 pm
Friday 9:30 am-6:45 pm
Saturday 9:30 am-6:45 pm
Sunday 9:30 am-6:45 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Saint Michael's Cave.

Purchase a Gibraltar Nature Reserve ticket for access to St. Michael's Cave and other attractions on the Upper Rock.
Wear comfortable shoes, as the cave involves walking and some steps.
Visit during off-peak hours (early morning or late afternoon) to avoid crowds.
Consider a guided tour to explore the Lower St. Michael's Cave, with its unique formations and underground lake.
Check the performance schedule if you wish to attend a concert or show in the Cathedral Cave.

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Getting There

Walking

From the Gibraltar Nature Reserve entrance, follow the well-marked paths uphill towards St. Michael's Cave. The walk takes approximately 20-30 minutes, offering scenic views. Look for signs directing you to 'Saint Michael's Cave'.
Public Transport

Take a public bus to the 'Upper Rock' stop. From Market Place, the central bus station, Routes 2 travels towards the Upper Rock Nature Reserve. A single bus fare is approximately £1.50. From the bus stop, it is a short, approximately 10-minute walk to the cave entrance.
Taxi

Take a taxi from anywhere in Gibraltar to St. Michael's Cave. Simply tell the driver 'Saint Michael's Cave' or provide the address: 'St Michael Rd, Gibraltar GX11 1AA'. The taxi ride from the city center will take about 10 minutes and cost around £10-£15.
Cable Car

Take the cable car from the base station near the Alameda Gardens to the top station. From the top station, it is approximately a 20-minute downhill walk to the cave entrance. A Nature Reserve ticket, which includes entry to St. Michael's Cave, is required. Cable car tickets cost £37 for adults.

Discover more about Saint Michael's Cave

St. Michael's Cave, situated within Gibraltar's Upper Rock Nature Reserve, is a mesmerizing network of limestone caves that has drawn visitors for thousands of years. Located over 300 meters above sea level, the cave's name is derived from a similar grotto in Italy where the Archangel Michael is said to have appeared.Formed over millennia by rainwater dissolving the surrounding limestone, the cave boasts a dramatic architecture of grand chambers and narrow passageways. The Main Chamber, also known as Cathedral Cave, serves as an auditorium with excellent acoustics, hosting concerts, ballets, and theatrical performances. A concrete stage and seating accommodate approximately 400 people.Throughout history, St. Michael's Cave has served various purposes. Archaeological findings suggest human use dating back 40,000 years. The Romans and Moors recognized the cave, and the British later utilized it during the Great Siege of Gibraltar. During World War II, it was prepared as an emergency hospital, though it was never used as such.The cave is steeped in legend, with tales suggesting it was once believed to be bottomless and connected to Africa via a subterranean passage. This passage was thought to be the route by which Gibraltar's Barbary macaques arrived. The Ancient Greeks believed the cave to be one of the Gates of Hades, an entrance to the underworld.Today, visitors can explore the cave's wonders, including the 'Awakening,' a state-of-the-art light and sound show that illuminates the cave's geological features and historical significance. Guided tours are available, including those to the Lower St. Michael's Cave, which features an underground lake and unique formations.