Lower St Michael's Cave Travel Guide

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.