Douglas's Cave, St. Michael's Cave Travel Guide

Douglas's Cave, situated on the southern end of the Rock of Gibraltar, presents a unique, if somewhat enigmatic, historical site. Located at the bottom of Douglas Path, within the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, the cave is not a natural formation but rather a man-made structure. Its original purpose remains a mystery, though theories abound.First occupied during the Great Siege of Gibraltar (1779-1783), it was re-occupied in 1940. Unusually, the cave is enclosed within a brick building and contains a single stone seat and the remains of a simple plaque. Some experts speculate it may have been used to store a high-powered searchlight during World War II. The dates 1789 and 1897 appear on a stone nearby; 1789 is the start of The Great Siege.The cave and the path leading to it are named after Captain William Douglas, who served in the 11th Regiment of Foot. Douglas was tasked with constructing paths on Gibraltar's southwestern slopes in 1789, embellishing them with rock-cut seats and poetic inscriptions. Inside the cave, the symbol or plaque above the seat remains ambiguous, showing a crown sustaining a medallion or jewel of sorts. The cave's tranquil ambiance and cool temperatures provide a refreshing retreat.