Introduction Sights Travelling Eating Nightlife Shopping Accommodation Pictures Links Last Update: 29 December 2005
	Home About DestinWorld Destination Guides Travel Articles Forums Contribute DestinWorld Shop
	Press Releases Links Advertising Contact Details Link To Us Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy

Credits:

Photographs, research and writing by Matt Falcus

Introduction to Gibraltar

Gibraltar has caused something of a stir in political debates over who should have the deeds to the British colony. Although its setting is more Malaga than Manchester, Gibraltar does retain a few traditional reminders of the homeland amongst its historic streets and ramparts.

Gibraltar is attached to mainland Spain by an isthmus of flat ground, and is only 14 miles across the sea from the continent of Africa (which you can see on most days). The most prominent feature, and its defining symbol, is The Rock - an ancient piece of sea bed which was thrust 1,500ft into the air and giving the tiny colony its unique strategic military advantage.

The land which became Gibraltar was first occupied by neolithic man, and much later by the Moors. The French came and developed it on their tour of conquering Spain, and following this the Spanish asked the British to come to their aid and remove the French in the 1700s. As a mark of gratitude, the Spanish gave Gibraltar to the Brits, who have occupied it ever since, and developed it into a strategic military staging post. It has also become a strategic tourist spot, drawing in thousands of visitors per year from the nearby Costa del Sol and Costa de la Luz. But now Spain think its time they had it back.

Whatever the outcome of ongoing discussions will be, this is still a fascinating place to visit. If you can avoid the obvious tourist traps, such as duty-free shops selling alcohol and electronics, and the usual souvenir shops, then you will have a most enjoyable time. Historical buildings and sites are extremely concentrated, with the ancient Moorish castle, the Caves of St.Michael, the various old battlements and the eerie Galleries in the Upper Rock. Be sure also to take the cable car up to the top of the rock, and visit the Barbary Apes half-way up... but be careful, they can steal your belongings!