Upper Rock

Stand on top of the Rock of Gibraltar and you feel as if you were on top of the world. Europe is at your feet. Africa fills one horizon, while the gates to the Mediterranean and the Atlantic are on either side.

The silent journey to the top of the Rock by cable car rewards you with a truly breathtaking view. From a height of 430m you will see the African coastline, where the waters of the Atlantic meet the Mediterranean, Spain’s Costa del Sol and a panoramic view of the City far below, the quays, marinas and bays.  Stroll the quiet path to St Michael’s Cave and you will be alone with nature.

Great Siege Tunnels
During the Great Siege, the gallant defenders were stunned when the Spanish and French besiegers dug into trenches too close to Gibraltar for the British to fire on them.  Imaginative solutions were needed, and Sgt Major Ince suggested tunnelling to get to a projection of rock to allow the British guns to fire sideways on the attackers. While tunnelling by hand through the solid rock, the dust was so stifling that air vents were created, and it was then realised these holes would make excellent embrasures for guns.

The Great Siege Tunnels are a testimony to British ingenuity and to sheer courage and determination. The Great Siege Tunnels have been brought to life with the installation of various exhibitions within its chambers re-enacting some scenes lived in these tunnels throughout their unique history.

Apes
Visit the Apes’ Den, home to some of Gibraltar’s famous Barbary Apes, the only free-to-roam primates in Europe. According to legend, if the Apes leave Gibraltar it will cease to be British.

Watch out for monkey business though as they can be mischievous – and remember, they are wild animals. Don’t do anything to annoy them and do not feed them as they are fed fresh food every day. 

St Michaels Cave
The spectacular natural caverns of St Michael’s Cave begin about 350m above sea level and descend into the Rock.

St Michael’s Cave forms a huge auditorium, which makes an unforgettable setting for concerts and live shows (for more information on concerts in St Michael’s Cave please visit www.philharmonic.gi).

Walking the chambers beyond, reveals giant stalactites and stalagmites.  Lower St Michael’s Cave, visited by pre-arranged tours, contains an amazing lake (for further details please see the Tours page).

Son-et-Lumiere
The spectacular sound and light show at St Michael’s Cave is shown twice daily except Saturdays and Sundays. An impressive combination of light effects and projections together with digital sound brings the Cave alive.

From the formation of the Pillars of Hercules through to modern times, a story of myths and legends takes visitors through the fascinating history of Gibraltar’s most popular attraction.

The show lasts approximately 15 minutes and is available with narration in Spanish. The display can also be shown by request for visiting groups.

 Moorish Castle
Dating back to the 11th century, this “Tower of Homage” is all that remains of the original castle complex that once stretched all the way down to Casemates Square, at the north end of Main Street.

The Moorish Castle Complex is made up of various buildings, gates, fortified walls and its most dominant features, The Tower of Homage and The Gate House. The former is an impressive sight, clearly visible to all visitors, not only because of its striking construction but also because of its dominant and strategic position.

For further information on the Upper Rock please contact:

The Gibraltar Tourist Board
Duke of Kent House Cathedral Square Gibraltar
(+ 350) 200 74950	(+ 350) 200 74943
not available
tourism@gibraltar.gi