Gibraltar - The Rock - My Local Gazette - Home of The Other News

No visit to Gibraltar would be complete without a visit to the caves and siege tunnels.

In the 18th century Gibraltr was under constant attack by the Spanish. The British forces occupying Gibraltar managed to stand off most attacks and, after digging around 50 miles of tunnels, made their position almost unassailable. The tunnels were fitted with, effectively, embrasures from which cannons could repel any Spanish attack. If you visit and see just how small the apertures that the cannons fired through are, you will understand why the Spanish hd no defense against them. They certainly had no way to attack them.

The siege tunnels, if for no other reason, are a must see for the magnificent views along the isthmus to Spain. There is a special gallery that was built to overcome a successful Spanish approach which, though unsuccessful, did get significant troops under the guns.

St. Michals cave is so deep that it gave people the impression that the Rock was hollow and even that it was connected to Africa by an underground, natural tunnel. It contains a wonderful range of of rock formations, especilly stalactites and stalagmites. At one point St. Michaels cave was fitted out as a hospital but was never actually used as such.

In 1704 the Spanish were able, against all the odds, to climb the eastern side of the rock and over 500 soldiers managed to hide in St. Michaels cave. They were discovered, but this was surely the most daring attack by a small troop upon this natural fortress.

To try to dispell fears that St Michaels cave is botomless, two British officers decided to make a reconaisance - and were never seen again.

The excellent acoustics of the cave and the existence of a large gallery (the Cathedral cave) have enabled occasional concerts to be held.

During the conversion of the cave for hospital use, the required blasting revealed that there is a series of fourchambers below, now called Lower St. Michaels cave. There is also a lake up to 20 feet deep and, while it is not the easiest place to access, with the illumination and profssional guides, is certainly well worth a visit.