Ragged Staff Cave, St. Michael's Cave Travel Guide
Free Guide: Explore Gibraltar's Ragged Staff Cave: Where natural beauty meets centuries of military history along the iconic harbor.
A brief summary of Ragged Staff Cave
Explore Gibraltar's Ragged Staff Cave: Where natural beauty meets centuries of military history along the iconic harbor.
Ragged Staff Cave, nestled along Gibraltar's harbor, offers a glimpse into the Rock's layered past. Originally discovered during 19th-century tunneling, it was transformed into a military magazine in 1901. Today, it stands as a unique site blending natural cave features with historical significance.
- Address
- Gibraltar GX11 1AA
Getting there
Walking
Public Transport
Discover more about Ragged Staff Cave
Overview
Ragged Staff Cave, situated on the coastline of Gibraltar, presents a unique blend of natural wonder and military history. Discovered during the 19th century during tunneling operations within the Rock of Gibraltar, the cave's strategic location led to its conversion into Ragged Staff Magazine by the British Admiralty in 1901. This conversion, which took four years, involved lining the cave's entrance with bricks to stabilize the red sand.During World War I, the cave became part of a complex of sixteen magazines, connected to HM Dockyard via a network of tunnels. In 1943, the magazine narrowly avoided a major explosion thanks to the apprehension of a saboteur. The name "Ragged Staff" is linked to the nearby Ragged Staff Gates, with theories suggesting it originates from the symbol of the Earls of Warwick or an old Spanish emblem. Today, the cave offers visitors a chance to explore its historical depths and appreciate the geological formations within. Guided tours provide insights into the cave's past and its role in Gibraltar's heritage.
Evendo Review Centre
Guest reviews
Explore Ragged Staff Cave on the map
A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Ragged Staff Cave, mapped for you.
Get your free copy of our complete guide to Ragged Staff Cave, delivered straight to you.
Everything on this page, from opening hours and how to get there to Eve’s tips and the best time to go, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.
Already have an account? Sign in
Your Ragged Staff Cave guide is ready.
We'll send it to · Not you? Sign out

Getting your guide ready…
We are putting together a fresh copy of the Ragged Staff Cave guide. This can take up to a minute.
This can take a few moments. If your browser asks, choose Allow so the download can start. You'll find the guide in your Downloads folder.
Nothing happened? Download it again
Sorry, the guide is taking longer than usual. Please try again in a minute, or get it by email instead.
Other nearby places you may find interesting
The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.
-
Lower St Michael's Cave Explore a hidden world of stunning rock formations and a crystal-clear underground lake in Gibraltar's Lower St Michael's Cave. -
Saint Michael's Cave Explore Gibraltar's iconic limestone cave, a realm of natural beauty, historical depth, and captivating legends within the Upper Rock Nature Reserve. -
Douglas's Cave Explore Douglas's Cave in Gibraltar, a historical landmark with intriguing origins and unique man-made features within a natural reserve. -
Cradle of History Explore Gibraltar's Cradle of History: Uncover ancient civilizations and breathtaking views at this iconic landmark. -
Skywalk Gibraltar Experience breathtaking panoramic views from a glass platform atop the Rock of Gibraltar, where Europe meets Africa.
Swipe for more places
More to explore near Ragged Staff Cave
Do you manage this location?
Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery.
Explore more

Explore more of St. Michael's Cave
Discover the mystical beauty and historical intrigue of St. Michael's Cave in Gibraltar, a natural wonder that captivates with its stunning formations and rich heritage.
Explore St. Michael's CaveExplore more of Gibraltar
Discover Gibraltar, a unique blend of British and Spanish cultures, stunning natural beauty, and rich history at the gateway to the Mediterranean.
Explore Gibraltar