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

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editor — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 21:32:27 +0000

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Gibraltar Radio

editor — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 17:59:36 +0000

Now you can get up to the minute news from Gibraltar directly from your own computer. You can also listen to the music that you can expect to hear when you visit. It’s all here, waiting for you.

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editor — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 06:50:42 +0000

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The Treaties of Utrecht, 1713.

editor — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 15:35:22 +0000

Gibraltar became a British Colony, in perpetuity, under the Treaties of Utrecht in 1713.

The Rock has suffered several attempts to be retaken by Spain, most notably the Great Siege of 1779 to 1783, but has remained under British control at all times since the treaties.

Part of the agreement was that there would be no overland trade between Spain and Gibraltar unless the British were unable to supply it by sea. There seems to be no similar embargo on sea trade between Spain and Gibraltar.

It was also stated that no Jews or Moors would be allowed to reside in, or own houses in, the town of Gibraltar. This particular clause was soon ignored and Gibraltar has had communities of Jews and Muslims almost from the date of the treaties.

Should Britain ever decide that she no longer requires Gibraltar, she must first offer it back to Spain.

Border Check Points

editor — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 17:06:28 +0000

While you wouldn’t put these on your itinery, they are places that you have to visit, by law. You must have your passport to travel into Gibraltar and, because it is quicker, it is best to go by bus (which won’t actually go across the border) and to walk across the border. It might surprise you to see that the road actually crosses the main runway of Gibraltar airport - a unique aspect in Europe. If you do decide to drive in, do be aware that you will be subject to delays because of the level of smuggling that takes place and the efforts of the police to stop it.

The Mediterranean Steps

editor — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 17:05:32 +0000

Right at the top of the Rock you will find O’Hara’s battery. From there, the Mediterranean Steps winds its way down the eastern face and round the south slopes to the western side of the Rock. A slight challenge but well worth it for the fantastic views.

The Nature Reserve

editor — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 17:04:35 +0000

The upper Rock is a nature reserve and can be reached by cable car. The main attraction, apart from the magnificent 360º views, is the Ape Den where the native Barbary Macaques live. These are the only monkeys native to Europe.
Although they have the forbearance to tolerate hundreds of tourists visiting them every day, it is as well to remember that they really are wild animals and, despite their size, can be very dangerous, so approach them with caution.
A point of interest is the Jews Gate that is the entrance to the upper area.Here you will find a monument to the Pillars of Hercules. Acording to Greek mythology, Hercules was able to stand astride the entrance to the Mediterranean with one foot on Gibraltar and the other on Jebel Musa in North Africa.

The Caves

editor — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 17:03:33 +0000

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.

Shopping in Gibraltar

editor — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 17:00:32 +0000

Shopping in Gibraltar has always been popular with the ex-patriate British community on the southern coast of Spain.

Nowadays, many familiar British products can be bought in Spain but the presence of familiar shops like Mothercare, BHS, Tesco, safeways and marks and Spencer ensure a regular supply of visitors.

The shopping experience has also been greatly enhanced by the conversion of main Street (it really is called that) into a very attractive pedestrian shopping precinct and plans to improve casemates square will only make things better and attract more shops.

Although there are many banks in which to exchange currency, there are also several kiosks available when the banks are closed or simply too full. Be aware that there may be commissions chatged at these kiosks so it is best to ask before committing yourself. Because Gibraltar pounds can only be spent in Gibraltar, it is best not to buy too many. Most shops will accept euros (and give Gibraltar pounds in change).

A popular souvenir can be bought in casemates square - a piece of brilliant Gibraltar chrystal. There is a display centre and it is possible to watch the glassware being made. No matter what your tastes, i feel sure you will find something to suit.

Duty Free or Duty Paid?

editor — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:57:48 +0000

One of the major attractions of shopping in Gibraltar is the fact that goods can be bought ‘duty free’. This, obviously, represents huge savings on cost but visitors and tourists must be aware that the allowances for ‘duty free’ goods that can be taken back to the U.K. are very much less than the allowances for goods ‘duty paid’, bought in Spain or Portugal.

The duty free allowances are as follows:-

Cigarettes - 200, Cigarillos - 100, Cigars - 50, Tobacco - 250 grms - all per adult

Wines, including fortified wines like Sherry (up to 22% by volume) - 2 litres per adult

Spirits and liqueurs (over 22% by volume) - 1 litre per adult

These allowances are for personal use only. No duty free goods imported into the U.K. can be sold.

The duty paid allowances are as follows:-

Cigarettes - 3,200, Cigarillos - 400, Cigars - 200, Tobacco - 3,000 grms

Wines - 90 litres, Fortified wines up to 22% by volume - 20 litres

Spirits and Liqueurs over 22% by volume - 10 litres

These allowances are for personal use only. No duty paid goods imported into the U.K. can be sold.