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The Rock of Gibraltar: A Fortress of History and Nature

Explore a historic fortress, encounter wild monkeys, and enjoy breathtaking views at the iconic Rock of Gibraltar.

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The Rock of Gibraltar, a towering limestone promontory, has been a strategic and symbolic landmark for millennia. Explore its historic military installations, encounter the famous Barbary macaques, and enjoy panoramic views of Europe and Africa.

A brief summary to Rock of Gibraltar

  • Gibraltar, GI

Local tips

  • Purchase Nature Reserve tickets online in advance to avoid queues at the entry points.
  • Be aware of the Barbary macaques; they are wild animals and may try to steal food or belongings.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as exploring the Rock involves a lot of walking, often uphill.
  • Bring water and snacks, especially if you plan to hike or spend several hours exploring the Nature Reserve.
  • Check the opening hours of the Nature Reserve and specific attractions before your visit.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Casemates Square, walk south along Main Street. Turn left onto Grand Parade and continue to the Gibraltar Cable Car base station. From there, you can purchase tickets to ascend to the top of the Rock. Alternatively, continue past the cable car station to the Nature Reserve entrance at Jews' Gate or Moorish Castle to walk up. Note that walking up requires a Nature Reserve ticket (£30 for adults). Walking to the top takes 1.5 to 3 hours.

  • Public Transport

    From the Gibraltar border, take bus route 5 or 10 to the city centre. From the city centre, follow the walking directions to the Gibraltar Cable Car base station or the Nature Reserve entrances. A day ticket for the bus costs just over £2. Bus 1 stops near the Moorish Castle entrance.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available at the Gibraltar border and the cruise terminal. A taxi tour of the Upper Rock, including entry to the Nature Reserve, typically costs around £35 per person. A taxi from the Gibraltar Passport Control Station to the Rock of Gibraltar costs approximately 3 EUR. Be sure to agree on the fare before starting your journey.

  • Cable Car

    Purchase tickets for the Gibraltar Cable Car at the base station located at Grand Parade. A round-trip ticket, including entry to the Nature Reserve, costs £49 for adults and £31 for children (4-11 years). The cable car ride to the Top Station takes approximately 6 minutes. Consider purchasing tickets online in advance to avoid potential queues.

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Discover more about Rock of Gibraltar

The Rock of Gibraltar, a monolithic limestone promontory, stands as a testament to millions of years of geological activity and human history. Rising to 426 meters (1,398 feet), it dominates the landscape, marking the western entrance to the Mediterranean Sea. Formed from the shells of tiny sea creatures compacted over 200 million years ago, tectonic shifts elevated the rock, shaping it into the iconic form recognized today. Throughout history, the Rock has held strategic importance. Known to the Romans as Mons Calpe, it formed one of the Pillars of Hercules, marking the edge of the known world. In 711 AD, the Moors, led by Tarik ibn-Ziyad, landed here, initiating the Islamic conquest of Iberia. The name 'Gibraltar' is derived from 'Jebel Tarik,' meaning Tarik's Mountain. For over 700 years, the Moors controlled the Rock, leaving behind a legacy that includes the Moorish Castle. In 1704, during the War of the Spanish Succession, British and Dutch forces captured Gibraltar. The Treaty of Utrecht in 1713 formally ceded it to Great Britain. Since then, Gibraltar has remained a British Overseas Territory, playing a crucial role in naval operations, especially during World War I and World War II. The Rock was heavily fortified, with extensive tunnel systems built to house troops and supplies. Today, the Rock of Gibraltar is a major tourist destination. Most of its upper area is a nature reserve, home to around 300 Barbary macaques, the only wild monkey population in Europe. Visitors can explore St. Michael's Cave, a stunning natural grotto used for concerts and events. The Great Siege Tunnels and World War II Tunnels offer a glimpse into the Rock's military past. The Skywalk, a glass-bottomed viewing platform, provides panoramic views. The Rock's diverse history, unique wildlife, and stunning vistas combine to create an unforgettable experience. Whether exploring ancient caves, walking historic battlements or simply enjoying the view, the Rock of Gibraltar offers a captivating blend of nature and history.

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