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Lower St Michael's Cave: A Subterranean Cathedral

Explore a hidden world of stunning rock formations and a crystal-clear underground lake in Gibraltar's Lower St Michael's Cave.

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Discovered in 1942 during WWII, Lower St Michael's Cave is a hidden gem within the Rock of Gibraltar, showcasing stunning speleological formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, and a crystal-clear underground lake. Tours offer a unique glimpse into this well-preserved natural wonder.

A brief summary to Lower St Michael's Cave

Local tips

  • Book your guided tour in advance, as access to Lower St Michael's Cave is by arrangement only.
  • Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes and casual clothing suitable for some scrambling and minor climbing.
  • Bring a camera to capture the unique and stunning geological formations.
  • Note that children under ten years old may not be permitted on the tour due to the nature of the cave exploration.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the entrance to the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, follow the signs towards St Michael's Cave. Continue past the main entrance of St Michael's Cave, descending further along the path. The route to Lower St Michael's Cave involves a steeper descent and may take approximately 15-20 minutes from the main cave entrance. Note that the terrain can be uneven and require sturdy footwear.

  • Public Transport

    Take bus route 2 or 4 from the city center to the Upper Rock Nature Reserve. Alight at the bus stop closest to St Michael's Cave. From there, follow the walking directions to Lower St Michael's Cave, which involves descending past the main St Michael's Cave entrance. Bus fare is approximately £1.00.

  • Taxi

    A taxi from the Gibraltar city center to the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, near St Michael's Cave, will cost approximately £15-£20. From the drop-off point, follow the walking directions, descending past the main St Michael's Cave entrance to reach Lower St Michael's Cave. Pre-booking may be advisable.

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Discover more about Lower St Michael's Cave

Lower St Michael's Cave, also known as New St. Michael's Cave, is a captivating natural wonder hidden within the Rock of Gibraltar. Unlike the more well-known St Michael's Cave (also referred to as Old St. Michael's Cave), which has been known for over 2000 years, Lower St Michael's Cave was only discovered in 1942 during World War II. Royal Engineers accidentally stumbled upon it while tunneling to create a secondary exit for an emergency hospital in the upper cave. This accidental discovery revealed a breathtaking cavern, potentially sealed off for 20,000 years, adorned with a mesmerizing array of speleological formations. Shimmering stalactites and stalagmite columns in white, grey, and red create a cathedral-like ambiance, complete with formations resembling a pulpit, chancel, and organ pipes. The cave boasts a stunning variety of calcite formations, including rim stone, helictites, coral rocks, flowstone, straws, and curtains. One of the most remarkable features of Lower St Michael's Cave is its 37-meter-long underground lake, estimated to hold 200,000 liters of crystal-clear water. The cave is maintained in its original natural state, with only ropes and lighting added for safety. Guided tours, which should be arranged in advance, take visitors through this subterranean wonderland, involving some scrambling and minor climbing with ropes. Comfortable, non-slip shoes and casual clothing are recommended. Photography is permitted, allowing visitors to capture the unforgettable beauty of this unique environment.

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