Official Name Gibraltar
Capital City Gibraltar
Population 33,913
Language English (used in schools and for official purposes), Spanish, Italian,
Portuguese, Russian
Time Zone GMT+1 in winter and GMT+2 in summer
Independence none (dependent territory of the UK)
National Holiday Commonwealth Day (second Monday of March)
Currency Gibraltar pound
Summer Temp: 22º C
Winter Temp: 12º C
Ethnic Groups Italian, English, Maltese, Portuguese, Spanish
Religions Roman Catholic 74%, Protestant 11% (Church of England 8%, other 3%),Muslim
8%, Jewish 2%,
Location: South-western Europe, bordering the Strait of Gibraltar, which links
the Mediterranean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, on the southern coast of
Spain
Area:
total: 6.5 sq km
land: 6.5 sq km
water: 0 sq km
Land boundaries:
total: 1.2 km
border countries: Spain 1.2 km
Coastline: 12 km
Climate: Mediterranean with mild winters and warm summers
Terrain: a narrow coastal lowland borders the Rock of Gibraltar
Elevation extremes:
lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m
highest point: Rock of Gibraltar 426 m
Natural resources: NEGL
Natural hazards: NA
History
The rock of Gibraltar occupies a strategic position at the eastern entrance
to the narrow strait and guards the only exit from the Mediterranean to the
wide ocean beyond. Gibraltar has been in the historical limelight for over 3,000
years. 4,000 years ago the ancient mariners feared to pass the rock for fear
of the currents. The Phoenicians sailed past it and used it as an important
landmark, marking the entrance to the Atlantic. The Greeks gave it the name
Calpe which means urn, possibly because of its shape. The present name of Gibraltar
comes from the Arabs who invaded Spain in the VIII century. Tarik was the leader
of the invading army. Since then the rock has been known as Gibel Tarik - the
mountain of Tarik. The Arabic name has altered over the centuries to its present
form of Gibraltar.
Tarik did not build the Moorish castle, nor did he found the city. Both were
built five centuries after his death. He did however build a fortification along
where Southport Gates now stand and up the side of the rock. It was in 1160
that the city was founded by the Sultan of Morocco, Abd-al-Mummin, who built
a castle and citadel. The first town was very small.
200 years later after the fall of Algerciras to the Christian forces, the city
of Gibraltar was extended as far as Southport Gates. The present line of Main
Street is almost the same today as it was 600 years ago when it was built by
the Muslims. It was during the capture of Gibraltar by the Castillians (1309-1333)
that the streets of the lower town were constructed and Gibraltar became a substantial
city.
It wasn't until the time of Cromwell when Britain first became
interested in the rock but it was not captured until the War of the Spanish
Succession. Gibraltar became a British garrison in 1830 and was declared a colony.
Spain has never been able to accept the loss of Gibraltar with good grace and
twice during the 18th century she tried to recapture it without success. The
first time was the short siege of 1727. There was a more serious attempt during
the American Revolution when Spain joined forces with France in the war with
a specific aim of taking Gibraltar. The Great Siege commenced on June 21st 1779
and lasted nearly 4 years. During this time the rock was defended by a force
of 7,000 men and commanded by the Governor General, Sir George Elliott. The
battle eventually ended on February 2nd 1783. The city took many years to rebuild,
hence the lack of Moorish buildings remaining here.
During both world wars Gibraltar’s strategic naval importance was again
recognized and became a key point in the anti-submarine campaigns With little
space for development, Gibraltar went "underground" as the harbour
was redesigned and an airfield built.
Miles of tunnels and chambers were dug out of the limestone and an underground
city, with its own electricity supply, telephone exchanges, frozen meat stores,
water distillers, bakery and hospitals was created.
In 1963, the question of Gibraltar's status came before the United Nations Special
Committee on Decolonisation, and Spain seized the opportunity to revive her
claim for the reversion of the Rock to Spanish sovereignty.
Spain increased border restrictions with Gibraltar and eventually closed the
frontier and all other means of direct communication with the mainland in 1969.
After 16 years of isolation from mainland Spain, the frontier gates were reopened,
but relations were far from cordial.
In 1991, Britain removed its military forces from Gibraltar, while retaining
it as a dependency. Tensions between Spain and Gibraltar continued through the
1990s, however, Spain accused Gibraltar of being a hotbed of drug trafficking,
tobacco smuggling, money laundering, and tax evasion. In 1997 Spanish a proposal
for joint British-Spanish sovereignty was rejected by the Gibraltarian government
and a referendum in 2002 on shared British-Spanish sovereignty almost unanimously
approved of that rejection.
Gibraltar has been a fortress for centuries and evidence of this is to be found all over the rock, from guns to battlements and gun turrets. The museum of Gibraltar houses an impressive collection of artefacts dating back to pre-historic Gibraltar when caves were occupied by the first settlers.
What to See
CABLE CAR
The most breathtaking way to reach the top of the Rock. You can stop off at
the first stage to visit the Apes Den and St Michael's Cave. Then on up to the
summit where there is a restaurant and observation area. The Cable Car does
not operate on Sundays.
The Great Siege Tunnels
The tunnels were constructed during the sieges of the 18th century, there are
a network of tunnels in the rock to allow the mounting of a prototype gun (the
first ever to be able to fire downwards). The tunnels are actually part of a
network of more than 32 miles.
The Ape's Den
The Barbary Apes were first introduced to the rock in the 18th century and have
become one of the major symbols of Gibraltar.
St. Michael's Cave
This is a vast underground cavern with an auditorium at the base, which is now
used to hold concerts.
The Moorish Castle
Dating back to the 11th century and located high on the rock, the 'Tower of
Homage' is the only remaining part of the original castle complex and can be
seen for miles. The Union Jack flies here high over Gibraltar. It is possible
to view the interior as part of the rock tour. It now houses Gibraltar's short-term
prison.
The Cathedral of St. Mary the Crowned
Converted from a Moorish Mosque in 1462 (when the Moors were driven from the
rock). The cathedral can be found in the middle of Main Street.
Casemate's Square
The square is situated at the end of Main Street, it has shops and a newly opened
arcade. The square was once the site for public executions. Within the square
is a gun on display, known as the Koehler Gun, invented here in 1728 during
the great siege.
CITY GATES & FORTIFICATIONS
The gates and fortifications are a constant reminder of Gibraltar's military
past. The Casemates Gates, which lead into the beautifully refurbished Casemates
Square, were opened in 1727 and are a typical portal in the ancient City walls.
Other notable landmarks worth visiting are the Charles V Wall, Devil's Tongue,
Kings Bastion, Line Wall and Southport Gates.
The Franciscan Convent
It was formerly a monastery but is now the Governor's residence. It was constructed
in the early 1500's by the Franciscan Friars and became the official residence
of the Governor from 1728. The main facade was remodelled in the 19th century
in Gothic style. Though the convent is not open to the public you can visit
the adjoining King's Chapel, part of the original Convent, which has many plaques,
displays of various regimental flags and tombstones of interest.
City Hall
Situated on the far side of the piazza from Main Street and the House of Assembly. It houses government and the Mayor's official offices. It was opened on 24th November 1924 by the Governor, Sir Charles C. Munro and is believed to be on the site of an old hermitage.
The American War Memorial
It was built into the Line Wall during the years 1932 and 1933 to commemorate
the achievements of the U.S. and Royal Navies during W.WI.
The Port and Marinas
With Gibraltar situated at the entrance to the Mediterranean it is a busy port
and popular stop-off for cruise ships. There are three marinas for the mooring
of private yachts and boats.
GIBRALTAR MUSEUM
Situated in the centre of town just off Main Street in Bomb House Lane. The
Museum tells the history of Gibraltar from its prehistoric beginnings to the
present day.
BOTANICAL GARDENS
Situated by Grand Parade and the Cable Car terminal. The gardens opened in 1816.
The gardens have a wooded appearance with olives and Mediterranean stone pines
plus Dragon trees and palms from the Atlantic islands.
Flowerbeds display flora from sub-tropical areas such as South Africa and Australia.
Seek out the Dell with its waterfall, fountain bridge and plants.
CASINO
Just up Europe Road from the Rock Hotel is Gibraltar's luxury Casino. Part of
the international Ladbroke Group the bar, restaurant and gaming room operate
from the evening onwards whilst the slot machine area opens at noon.
Parsons Lodge
Parsons Lodge is at Camp Bay. It sits high on a hill overlooking the straits
of Gibraltar. Below the Lodge is the only natural bay in Gibraltar and for that
reason it was fortified. There are lots of underground tunnels at this Lodge
Nelson's Anchorage
The old port of Gibraltar, built by the Spanish in 1627, can still be seen on
Rosia Road. It was to this haven that HMS Victory sailed with Nelson's body
after the Battle of Trafalgar. Nearby is Parson's Lodge where three 18 ton ten
inch rifled muzzle loaders were once housed. These were replaced during World
War II with more modern weapons. Also visit the impressive 100-ton gun installed
at the beginning of the last century but never fired in anger.
SHRINE OF OUR LADY OF EUROPE
Located at the southern end of the Rock, the shrine was originally a mosque
and was converted into a chapel by the Spanish in 1462. The constantly burning
light in its tower was the original Gibraltar lighthouse. The famous pirate
Red Beard plundered the shrine. However, its most valuable treasure, the 15th
century statue of the Virgin and Child escaped, and is still there to this day.
GREAT SYNAGOGUE
Gibraltar has a large Jewish community. The Great Synagogue dating back to 1724
is one of the oldest on the Iberian Peninsula.
Gorham's Cave
Sculpted out of the cliff-side by the sea, and occupied by prehistoric man over
a period of 40 000 years. Access to this cave is at present restricted.
Shopping
Gibraltar is one of the few remaining VAT free holiday destinations in Europe.
There are numerous perfumeries, electrical shops and jewellers. The Main Street
is home to many British and European chain stores like Benetton, Top Shop, BHS,
Dorothy Perkins and The Body Shop and the only Marks and Spencer left in continental
Europe. Be careful to check the price as they could be higher than elsewhere
in Europe so “No VAT” is not always a saving.
Apart from sightseeing and shopping there is diving, windsurfing and dolphin
excursions on offer.
BEACHES
Gibraltar's beaches can be divided into eastern and western beaches. Those on
the east side tend to be sandy, while those on the west side are typically rocky.
The beaches are praised for being clean and well-kept.
EASTERN BEACHES
Eastern Beach
This is Gibraltar's largest beach. It is also fortunate to receive ample sunshine
throughout the day.
Catalan Bay
Much smaller than Eastern Beach, Catalan Bay has the charm of a fishing village
and is a good place to stroll about and stop for a bite to eat.
Sandy Bay
Not so well known to tourists, Sandy Bay is a small beach enjoyed mostly by
locals. It is to the south where the rock is sheer.
WESTERN BEACHES
Little Bay
This rocky beach has rugged cliffs that meet the water straight on. The cliffs
provide a nesting area for birds that prefer such rugged terrain.
Camp Bay
This beach is near the cruise ship terminal and is the site of a spectacular
man-made waterfall.
Getting There
There are daily flights to and from London and Luton in the UK. There are no
regular buses to Gibraltar, but the bus station in La Línea is only a
five minute walk from the border. If you're driving, lines at the border may
make it less time-consuming to park in La Línea and walk across. The
land border is open 24 hours a day.
There are normally three ferries a week each way between Gibraltar and Tangier, taking two hours. The ferries accommodate cars.