Gibraltar Nature Reserve Admission Pass to All Attractions

The Upper Rock nature reserve is full of nature trails, rich in history, spectacular viewing points over the Strait of Gibraltar and onto Africa, and is home to a variety of birds and other animals including rabbits and the famous Barbary Apes. Wander through its paths you will discover many of Gibraltar's hidden gems.

An old Jewish Cemetery, used up until 1848, tucked away behind the trees, a fascinating piece of history that reflects the important role the Jewish people have played in moulding Gibraltar’s history.

Meeting Point For Ticket Collection & Nature Park Entry The first stop on entry to the Nature reserve, and a great indicator of things to come. The Pillars of Hercules are our representation of Gibraltar’s ties to Greek mythology – namely the 12 labours of Hercules. From this platform you can see out to our sister pillar Jebel Musa, the story surrounding both is one of truly epic feats. According to legend, Hercules passed through here to take the cattle of Geryon – his tenth labour – and opened the strait, creating the pillars which received his name.

Mediterranean Steps is a steep, at times arduous, walk and is not for people without a head for heights. Early mornings are usually preferable, but during the summer months a late afternoon walk will provide the visitor with plenty of much-needed shade. The area is particularly appealing during the spring, when the visitor is greeted by an interesting and very beautiful array of flowers. Mediterranean Steps takes the walker from Jews’ Gate on the southern end of the Nature Reserve at 180m above sea level, up towards O’Hara’s Battery at 419m, close to the summit of the Rock.

Not for the faint hearted, spanning 70 metres over a deep ravine, the Windsor Bridge is one of Gibraltar’s newer attractions. Located between two World War II artillery batteries and offering some wonderous views, the bridge is a great stop along your journey through the Nature Reserve.

Gibraltar’s latest and premier tourist attraction famed for its natural beauty and as a venue for concerts. St Michael’s Cave is home to many incredible stories and now to ‘The Awakening’ – an immersive light and sound installation, revealing hidden forms and unearthing Gibraltar’s ancient limestone journey.

Located at the highest point of the Rock of Gibraltar and owing its name to General Charles O’Hara, Governor of Gibraltar between 1795 and 1802. The first 6-inch cannon was mounted in 1890 but was replaced in 1901 by a 9.2-inch cannon with a range of 29,000 yards (26km), aided to some extent by its height above sea level.

Stand on top of the Northern Pillar of Hercules to discover breath taking 360º views spanning three countries across two continents. There is nowhere in the world like the Rock of Gibraltar. Used for military advantage for hundreds of years, this spectacular lookout is now open to the public and has been transformed into a state-of-the-art glass platform and walkway that will take your breath away.

One of Gibraltar’s most iconic attractions, the Barbary Macaque, normally only seen in North Africa are a main feature of the Upper Rock Nature Reserve. Their presence in Gibraltar is said to date from the early days of the British Garrison. Many legends surround the Macaques such as, should they ever disappear, the British will leave Gibraltar. This was taken to heart by Winston Churchill during WWII, who on hearing of the diminishing numbers had further mating pairs imported from Morocco. Today, in addition to Ape’s Den, there are other packs living wild on the slopes of the Rock making it the only location in Europe that one can find such animals roaming free.

The Military Heritage Centre is housed at Princess Caroline’s Battery, a former artillery battery constructed in 1732 and named after the third daughter of King George II. The battery saw action during the Great Siege of Gibraltar and required repairs. In 1871, the battery featured a 9-inch rifled muzzle loading gun, with an Elswick Ordnance Company carriage and platform. In 1905, the battery was refurbished to accommodate a 6-inch Mark VII gun that was installed on top of the magazine. The Heritage Centre itself houses relics that date from the eighteenth century to present day, including weapons, shells, and other artefacts.

‘These works are worthy of the Romans’ – Duc de Crillion, defeated Spanish & French commander at the end of the Great Siege 1783 on being shown the fortifications. These labyrinthian tunnels were dug by the precursors to the Royal Engineers, the Military Artificers Guild led by Sergeant Major Ince. Created to move armaments from one side of the rock to the other out of line of fire from the besieging Spanish forces during the Great Siege, it became evident that these tunnels would make for impressive fortifications and canon emplacements. Subsequently expanded on after the siege and on into WWII, these tunnels have offered the British military an impressive and impervious vantage point for their defensive operations.

The buildings situated here were some of the first built by British settlers, dating them to the beginning of the 18th century. It is thought that they were built as magazines to store ammunition. A fascinating feature is the score of graffiti carved on the walls by soldiers on watch – to help them stave off sleep, an offense punishable by death. The exhibit helps tell the tale of struggle that early British settlers would have endured during a siege and helps uncover a human side to an otherwise military affair.

Gibraltar has always been of supreme strategic importance but with Italy’s entry into WWII and a powerful Germany already dominating Europe this grew. These tunnels: created by the Royal Engineers and the Canadian Army, were the answer to the ever-growing problem of storage, space and siege accommodation. Dubbed an ‘underground city’ the entire 16,000 strong garrison could be housed here along with enough food to last them 16 months. The entire tunnel network inside the Rock is approximately 34 miles, 55 kilometres.

First built in 1160, the fortifications around the site of the present-day Moorish castle were destroyed when the Spanish reconquered Gibraltar from 1309 – 1333. The current tower of homage was rebuilt in 1333 AD when Abu’l Hassan recaptured Gibraltar. Close inspection of the Tower shows the plethora of battle scars gifted to the structure by its indomitable position on the rock throughout the various sieges and battles for the territory.

Located at the famous bay where the HMS Victory was towed in after the victory at Trafalgar and where it is said Nelson’s body was brought ashore in a barrel of alcohol – the impressive 100-ton gun is a sight not to be missed. One of only two remaining guns of this type in the world, it was brought to Gibraltar on 10th December 1882 and unloaded via the New Mole Battery. It took twenty-one days to be transported by special sleigh the mere four hundred yards to its battery position. During practice fire in 1898 the gun split and was replaced by another from Victoria Battery nearby as this was deemed to be a better position. The gun became obsolete in 1906 but remains in position to this day.

This sixteenth century wall was built in the reign of Charles V in 1552 by the Italian Engineer, Calvi. It was designed to defend the city after the attack of September 1540 by Turkish pirates, under the command of Barbarossa, who took over 70 captives with the intention of selling them into slavery.

Visitors to Tovey Cottage will have the opportunity to learn about different species and habitats found in Gibraltar from within the Reserve, something that has been missing until now, as well as obtain first-hand experience of the rewilding programme being spearheaded by the Department of the Environment and the Gibraltar Ornithological and Natural History Society. Barbary Partridges, wild rabbits, birds of prey and even reptiles form part of the rewilding programme which will be showcased at the Field Centre in the future. Dedicated staff from the Gibraltar Nature Reserve Management Team have helped build the facility and convert it into a platform that can be used to inspire young and older generations alike.