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

Macaques? What about us?

oldcoot — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 09:07:12 +0000

Everybody knows about the famous colony of monkeys (they are actually Macaques) that live on the rock and, according to legend, ensure the continued presence of the British.

But what about the less obvious wild life that abounds there?

Apart from birds, some of the most colourful animals are very small and are in the lizard family. This skink was spotted roaming in the shade (which was probably why it was a little slow in running away) and, even though it is possible to see the pattern on its skin, only a photograph can let you enjoy the full range of colours.

While it is very amusing watching the macaques, don’t ignore the other wild life that can be equally delightful and help make your stay even more enjoyable.

The evacuation of Gibraltar.

oldcoot — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 18:18:53 +0000

When the second world war started in 1939, the civilian population was evacuated to Britain, Madeira and Jamaica so that the necessary fortifications (and artillery) could be installed to protect against a likely German assault.

Over 30,000 British servicemen lived on the Rock of Gibraltar for most of the war years.

The civilian population started to return in 1944 and, although the majority had moved back by 1946, there were still repatriations up to the end of 1950.

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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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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.