Saint Michael's Cave
Discover the Wonders of Saint Michael's Cave
Lower St Michael's Cave: A Subterranean Cathedral
Explore the hidden depths of Gibraltar's Lower St Michael's Cave: a stunning subterranean world of geological wonders and crystal-clear waters.
Discovered in 1942 during WWII, Lower St Michael's Cave is a hidden gem within the Rock of Gibraltar, showcasing a stunning array of speleothems and a crystal-clear underground lake. This untouched cavern offers a unique and adventurous experience for those willing to explore its depths.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Lower St Michael's Cave
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
4MG3+5GW, Gibraltar, GI
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Getting There
Walking
Lower St Michael's Cave is located within the Upper Rock Nature Reserve. From the main entrance of St Michael's Cave, follow the signs for the Lower St Michael's Cave tour meeting point. The walk involves some uphill sections and uneven terrain, so wear appropriate footwear. Remember that access to the Upper Rock Nature Reserve requires a ticket. Cost: A Nature Reserve ticket costs £30 for adults and £22 for children (ages 5-11).
Public Transport
Take a bus to the Gibraltar Cable Car. From the cable car's upper station, it's a short walk to St Michael's Cave, where the Lower St Michael's Cave tour begins. Note that a Nature Reserve ticket is required to access the area. Cost: A single bus fare is approximately £2-3. A Nature Reserve ticket costs £30 for adults and £22 for children (ages 5-11). A return ticket on the Cable Car costs around £19.50 for adults and £10.50 for children.
Taxi
Taxis can take you to the entrance of the Upper Rock Nature Reserve near St Michael's Cave. From there, it is a short walk to the Lower St Michael's Cave meeting point. Ensure the taxi driver is aware that you need to purchase a Nature Reserve ticket to enter the Upper Rock. Cost: A taxi tour to the Upper Rock, including entry fees, costs approximately £8 per person, plus an additional £8 for the entry fee, with a minimum of 4 people. Taxi flag down is £3.00, and each unit (60 meters or 15 seconds) is £0.10.
Local tips
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Book your tour in advance, as access to Lower St Michael's Cave is by arrangement only.
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Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes with non-slip soles for navigating the cave's uneven surfaces.
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Bring a camera to capture the unique geological formations and the underground lake.
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Note that children under 10 years old are not allowed on the tour due to the adventurous nature of the cave.
Discover more about Lower St Michael's Cave
Lower St Michael's Cave, also known as New St. Michael's Cave, is a captivating cave system hidden within the Rock of Gibraltar. Unlike the more well-known St Michael's Cave, which has been explored for millennia, Lower St Michael's Cave was only discovered in 1942 during World War II. Royal Engineers, while blasting a new entrance to the lower chambers of St Michael's Cave for use as an emergency hospital, accidentally broke through into this previously unknown cavern.What makes Lower St Michael's Cave so remarkable is its pristine condition and the sheer variety of speleothems it contains. The cave boasts stalactites, stalagmites, rim stone, helictites, columns, coral rocks, flowstone, straws, and curtains, creating a breathtaking subterranean landscape. The main chambers resemble a cathedral, complete with features that mimic a pulpit, chancel, and organ pipes. Adding to the allure is a 37-meter-long underground lake, estimated to hold 200,000 liters of crystal-clear water.Visiting Lower St Michael's Cave is an adventurous experience. Access is by guided tour only, and requires some scrambling and minor climbing with ropes. Comfortable clothing and sturdy, non-slip shoes are recommended. Photography is permitted, allowing visitors to capture the unforgettable beauty of this subterranean world. The cave is fully lit to ensure safety and highlight its stunning features.
A brief summary to Lower St Michael's Cave
Use Lower St Michael's Cave as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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