Lower St. Michael's Cave Office
Lower St. Michael's Cave: A Hidden Subterranean World
St. Michael's Cave: A Subterranean Spectacle
Explore Gibraltar's iconic limestone cave, a realm of natural beauty, historical depth, and captivating legends within the Upper Rock Nature Reserve.
St. Michael's Cave, a network of limestone caves in the Upper Rock Nature Reserve of Gibraltar, has captivated visitors for millennia. From ancient origins shrouded in myth to its use as a theater and concert hall today, the cave offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance, enhanced by stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and a mesmerizing light and sound show.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Saint Michael's Cave
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Monday
9:30 am-6:45 pm
Tuesday
9:30 am-6:45 pm
Wednesday
9:30 am-6:45 pm
Thursday
9:30 am-6:45 pm
Friday
9:30 am-6:45 pm
Saturday
9:30 am-6:45 pm
Sunday
9:30 am-6:45 pm
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Getting There
Walking
From the Gibraltar Cable Car Top Station, St. Michael's Cave is approximately a 15-20 minute walk downhill. Follow the paved road south, enjoying panoramic views. The path is well-marked with signs for St. Michael's Cave and other attractions within the Upper Rock Nature Reserve. Note that this route is entirely within the Nature Reserve, so a valid ticket is required. Be prepared for a moderately steep descent.
Public Transport
From the Gibraltar Cruise Terminal or the land frontier with Spain, take Citibus Route 5 or Route 10 to the Market Place in the town center. From there, connect to Route 2, 3, 4, 7, or 9 towards the Cable Car. Alight at Elliott's Way (for Routes 2, 3, and 7) or Alameda House (for Routes 4 and 9), a short walk from the Cable Car base station. Take the Cable Car to the Top Station (approximately £9.50 single, £16.50 return). From the Top Station, follow the walking directions to St. Michael's Cave. A Hopper bus ticket (£2.25) allows unlimited travel on all bus routes for the day.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available throughout Gibraltar, including at the Gibraltar Airport and the land frontier. A taxi from the city center to St. Michael's Cave will take approximately 10 minutes and cost around £10-£15. Request to be taken to 'St. Michael's Cave' or provide the address: 'St Michael Rd, Gibraltar GX11 1AA'. Note that the taxi will likely drop you off at the entrance to the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, from which there is a short walk to the cave itself.
Local tips
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Wear comfortable shoes, as exploring the cave involves walking on uneven surfaces and potentially slippery paths.
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Visit during off-peak hours (early morning or late afternoon) to avoid crowds and enhance your experience.
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Purchase a Nature Reserve ticket to access St. Michael's Cave and other attractions within the Upper Rock.
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Check the schedule for 'The Awakening' light and sound show to catch a performance during your visit.
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Consider a guided tour to learn more about the cave's history, geology, and unique features.
Discover more about Saint Michael's Cave
St. Michael's Cave, located within Gibraltar's Upper Rock Nature Reserve, is a mesmerizing network of limestone caves steeped in history and legend. Positioned over 300 meters above sea level, the cave's name is inspired by a similar grotto in Monte Gargano, Italy, where Archangel Michael is said to have appeared.For centuries, St. Michael's Cave was believed to be bottomless, fueling tales of a subterranean passage connecting Gibraltar to Africa, a myth even attributed to the arrival of the Barbary macaques. Ancient Greeks believed the cave to be the Gates of Hades, an entrance to the underworld. The cave's formation began with rainwater seeping through limestone rock, creating a weak carbonic acid that gradually dissolved the stone, forming the vast chambers and intricate formations seen today.Throughout history, the cave has served various purposes. During the Great Siege of Gibraltar, it sheltered citizens from bombardments. In World War II, it was prepared as an emergency hospital. Today, the 'First Hall,' or Cathedral Cave, serves as an auditorium with seating for 400, hosting concerts, ballets, and other events. A highlight is 'The Awakening,' a state-of-the-art light and sound show that illuminates the cave's geological wonders and historical significance.In 1942, the Royal Engineers accidentally discovered Lower St. Michael's Cave while tunneling, revealing chambers sealed for 20,000 years, complete with an underground lake. Archaeological discoveries, including a Neolithic bowl and ancient cave art, confirm human use dating back thousands of years. Visitors can explore the cave's depths, marvel at its stunning formations, and immerse themselves in its rich tapestry of history and natural beauty.
A brief summary to Saint Michael's Cave
Use Saint Michael's Cave as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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More about 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.
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