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Cradle of History Monument

Explore Gibraltar's ancient past at the Cradle of History, a monument celebrating its significance as a Neanderthal settlement and crossroads of civilizations.

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The Cradle of History monument in Gibraltar marks the territory's significance as one of the last known sites of Neanderthal habitation. The monument displays the region's rich history, including a replica of the Gibraltar Skull, found in 1848, predating the discovery in Germany's Neander Valley.

A brief summary to Cradle of History

  • 5M22+28X, Winston Churchill Ave, Gibraltar, GX11 1AA, GI
  • Visit website

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the best lighting for photography.
  • Take a guided tour to gain deeper insights into the history of the site.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the surrounding paths can be uneven.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Cradle of History is located on Winston Churchill Avenue, near the Gibraltar International Airport. From the Gibraltar border, walk south along Winston Churchill Avenue. The monument will be on your left, near the Victoria Stadium. There are no costs associated with walking to the monument.

  • Public Transport

    The Gibraltar Bus Company operates several routes that pass near the Cradle of History. Take routes 5 or 10 and get off at the Frontier Terminus stop, which is opposite the airport terminal. From there, the monument is a short walk away. A single adult fare is approximately £1.60-£1.80.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available at the Gibraltar border and throughout the city. A taxi ride from the border to the Cradle of History will be a short trip. Taxi fares vary, but a short trip will likely cost around £5-£10.

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Discover more about Cradle of History

The Cradle of History monument, located on Winston Churchill Avenue, serves as a tribute to Gibraltar's extensive history, particularly its role as one of the final outposts for Neanderthals. This monument welcomes visitors as they arrive in Gibraltar, offering a glimpse into the Rock's past. The monument features a carving in the rock that showcases the first Neanderthal skull discovered in Gibraltar. This skull, found in 1848, was the second Neanderthal fossil ever discovered and the first adult skull. The discovery predates the skull found in the Neander Valley in Germany. The Gibraltar Museum houses a replica of this skull, while the original resides in London's Natural History Museum. Gibraltar's strategic position has made it a point of interest for many civilizations throughout history. The Phoenicians, Carthaginians, and Romans all visited the Rock before the Moorish conquest in 711 AD. For over 700 years, the Moors occupied Gibraltar, leaving behind a lasting legacy. Visitors can explore remnants of this era, including the Moorish Castle. The monument serves as a reminder of Gibraltar's long and varied past, inviting tourists to explore the layers of history embedded within the landscape.

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