Rock of Gibraltar

It is located in a strategic position at the southern end of the Iberian Peninsula. It overlooks the Straits of Gibraltar and is linked to Spain by a narrow isthmus. The Rock of Gibraltar is made up of limestone and is geologically very different from the surrounding landscape.

Geologically the Rock is also of great interest with over 140 known caves, the largest and most impressive being St Michael's Cave. Remains of Neanderthal and Neolithic occupation have been uncovered in some of these caves. The Rock runs north to south for nearly 3 miles and is 1.5 miles wide. Its highest point is 1,396 feet.

It is inhabited by around 30,000 people made up of Gibraltarians, British, Moroccans, Indians and Spanish. There is also a colony of the famous apes, the only ones in Europe to run free in a semi-wild state. With over 600 species of flowering plants and a comparable number of fauna, Gibraltar is blessed with a richness of Nature.

Over the centuries Gibraltar's geographical position has attracted the attention of conquering armies, resulting in an exceptional military heritage and ethnic mix.

The Rock of Gibraltar is accessible by the Cable Car. The Top Station of the Cable Car is constructed on the very peak of the Rock of Gibraltar. It offers some panoramic vistas of the Strait, Atlantic and the Mediterranean, and Spain in the north and Morocco. Within the Top Station complex there is a self service restaurant, English pub and a souvenir shop. Near the Rock are the Villa Vieja or the Old Town and La Barcina with its Sea Gate at the site of the present Casemates Gates. La Barcina is the area where the original Moorish dockyard stood and where their boats came in for repairs and protection.