We started the day with a visit to the Gibraltar National Museum on Bomb House Lane in the centre of town. Standard admission is £5 with a combination ticket being available at £8 to include a visit to the Gorham’s Cave complex viewing platform near Europa Point.
Galleries cover the history of the Rock starting from the Pillars of Hercules, through The Great Siege up to life as it is today. Of particular interest is the section dedicated to Neanderthal Man. Two skulls from Gorham’s Cave were among the first Neanderthal remains to be discovered in Europe giving an unprecedented insight into what their lives might have been like.
Located in the basement are the remains of a Moorish bath house built around the 14th century which is one of the best preserved in Europe with its hot and cold rooms.
Just outside the museum stands the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, constructed in Moorish Revival style, it’s the Church of England diocese of Gibraltar in Europe. The cathedral is open to visitors Monday-Saturday between 11.00 -3.00 p.m.
From there, it was just a short walk to the King’s Bastion Leisure Centre on Line Wall Road. You might wonder why we had decided to look in there, but this is no ordinary leisure centre as the building is a military fortress that was once used to defend Gibraltar against invading forces during the 18th century. The historical building has been transformed to include a bowling alley, gym, cinema, bar and café yet retains many of its original features.
After enjoying a welcome cup of coffee we strolled through Commonwealth Park, located next to the leisure centre. For such a small territory Gibraltar has an abundance of green spaces and nestled within the old walls this recently opened park offers a haven of tranquillity in the city centre.
It was then back to the Upper Rock Nature Reserve to visit two more of the attractions there. The first was to brave a thrill seekers step out onto the Skywalk, a transparent glass viewing platform at the top of the Rock.
This stunning lookout point was opened by Luke Skywalker of Star Wars fame (aka Mark Hamill) and we followed in his footsteps daring to walk on the glass floor jutting out 340 metre above sea level.
It’s not at all scary and is perfectly safe with its floor and side panels made of four layers of laminated glass strong enough to withstand the weight of 11 Range Rover vehicles. Having walked along the viewing platform we were rewarded with some breathtaking views of Gibraltar and across to Morocco and Spain.
A short drive followed to the northern end of the Rock to visit the Great Siege Tunnels, another of the attractions included in the Upper Rock Nature Reserve ticket price. On our way to the tunnels one of the Rock’s macaque’s decided to hitch a lift on our wing mirror so we drove along very slowly until it decided to jump off.
From standing on a glass ledge looking down on the city below we were now entering the Rock itself. The Great Siege Tunnels were a secret military base carved out by hand with sledgehammers and gun powder. Soldiers excavated 36 metres of tunnel in just six weeks to defend Gibraltar. Between 1779 and 1783 the Rock was under siege with both Spanish and French troops advancing and trying to recapture Gibraltar from the British.
Whilst tunnelling, it was decided that a hole be blasted in the Rock face to improve ventilation and by so doing, it was then realised that a gun could be put in place to bear down on attacking forces.
The tunnels are surprisingly long and have been beautifully illustrated with figures and information boards. Part way through, a staircase leads down to a lower level that was used for storing gunpowder. Viewing the gun ports in the cliff face with the cannons lined up in front of them was very interesting as were the stunning views of the airport runway visible through the holes.
All this exploring had given us an appetite so we made our way down to Ocean Village to have lunch at the Bridge Bar & Grill, sitting on its covered terrace overlooking the yachts in the marina.
It’s an attractive American styled restaurant where we relaxed over drinks and a plate of barbecued chicken nachos, before moving on to our mains of lamb cutlets and piri-piri chicken. The Bridge has a great atmosphere and friendly service in the heart of the vibrant Ocean Village close to the cruise terminal.
It started to rain just as we were leaving the restaurant but as shopping was our plan for the afternoon, it didn’t really matter. Grand Casemates Square lies close to Ocean Village and takes its name from the British built Grand Casemates, a casemate and bombproof barracks at the northern end of the square.
This large square, located at the end of Main Street is lined with cafes and restaurants and we popped into the Gibraltar Art Gallery on the square’s upper level displaying works by local artists. Adjoining the gallery is a gift shop stocked with lovingly made products by local artisans and the perfect place for us to pick up some gifts to take home.
We then sauntered along Main Street with its mix of household names, Spanish retailers and the occasional Moroccan greengrocer. It’s a shopper’s paradise with VAT free purchases and bargains to be had, especially on perfume, jewellery and spirits.
On our way back to the hotel, just outside the Southport Gate, lies the Trafalgar Cemetery containing two known graves of the victims of Trafalgar. Most of the others who perished in this famous battle were buried at sea.
Rain clouds had disappeared and so we rounded off another wonderful day in Gibraltar by watching the sun set from the seats of our balcony sipping glasses of sparkling wine.
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I’m not sure about the Skywalk…My mind would know it is safe, but my instinct would be if I can see down I shouldn’t step out! I’m really not a thrill seeker. Your posts are reshaping my perception of Gibraltar, I’d thought of it as a day trip to bolt onto a trip to a Spanish resort but there seems to be so much, its definitely a destination in it’s own right.
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Gibraltar is definitely a destination in its own right with so many interesting things to see and do Helen. I thought you might have been stationed there at some point, but obviously not. Hope you fit in a visit when it’s possible.
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I’m really impressed by the many green spaces there is in such a small area 🌳. And love the sundowner photo on the balcony … who would not want to end a day with such a stunning view!
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It’s surprising to have so many parks for such a small place and they are all so tranquil and pretty. The views from The Rock Hotel balcony are gorgeous too and it was lovely to sit out in the warm evening air to relax with a drink. Thanks for your welcome thoughts.
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Another wonderful read. The leisure centre looks really interesting, I’ll have to add that on to the list for a future visit. Glad you managed to check out the siege tunnels too, I didn’t go all of the way to the end but found them interesting to wander through and as you said there were some good views of the airport and Spain too.
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The tunnels open to the public are surprisingly lengthy and very well documented. The leisure centre was an interesting place for our morning coffees and very reasonable too! Best wishes, Marion
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Well said
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Wow so historic. This is an incredible site and seeing the Neanderthal is amazing and also being in the tunnel and Skywalk.
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Thank you so much for taking an interest in my series of posts on Gibraltar. It really is an amazing little place with so many interesting things to see and do. Hope these posts might inspire you to visit one day.
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Yes we were booked last year to go to Portugal and rented a car..we were planning on heading from there to Spain and travel around to cross over to Gibraltar. Hoping to get back to travel soon.
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Hopefully you’ll have an opportunity to visit later in the year. I’m sure you will enjoy Gibraltar very much. Best wishes, Marion
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Nice write up. Thank you! May have to try walking on the glass
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Thank you for your kind words. Stepping into the glass Skywalk was fun and the views stunning. Hope you get an opportunity to visit sometime in the future.
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i must admit i am genuinely surprised that there’s so much to do in Gibraltar! Thanks for sharing it all!
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I think it’s a huge surprise to everyone – and it’s all so lovely, too! Thanks Andy for your welcome thoughts! Marion
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Wow, I do love the architecture of the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity (fascinating that it’s a cathedral, yet with Moorish influences) and the lit-up cafe in the Kings Bastion Leisure Centre! The Skywalk looks daring and so transparent; it reminds me of the one in the Grand Canyon closer to home. Sounds like Gibraltar definitely exceeded your expectations!
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Thanks for your welcome thoughts Rebecca. Gibraltar certainly exceeded my expectations as there’s an incredible amount of nice things to see and do in such a small space. I visited the Grand Canyon about 20 years ago and hopefully will make a return visit one day!
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That tunnel work is impressive and the masthead picture of the rock is spectacular.
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It’s hard to believe that those tunnels were built by sledgehammers isn’t it. The Rock is spectacular from any angle and although I’d read lots about it, it’s certainly more impressive to climb up it. Thank you for commenting and hope your weekend goes well. Marion.
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Standing on the edge of that skywalk…no…no…no!!!!!!
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I’m certain you’d be able to find lots of not quite such thrill seeking activities to keep you happy in Gibraltar Sue! Hope you have a good weekend!
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Wonderful post on Gibraltar, Marion! You managed to do quite a lot.
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Thank you so much for your kind words Leighton. We found so many interesting things to see and do in Gibraltar.
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You definitely made the most of your stay on the island, Marion. I’d have loved the Skywalk 🙂 🙂
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The Skywalk was amazing Jo and do we’re the views! Thanks for your welcome thoughts.
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MOORISH BATH HOOSE ,interesting
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I always live exploring places like this.
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Thank you very much for your kindness
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It’s my pleasure
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Gibraltar great place
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Thank you, the small Overseas British Territory is simply gorgeous!
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Gibraltar is small but full of history’s things.
My pleasure is to that.
Great post
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Thank you so much for your kind words. I’m so pleased you enjoyed reading about lovely Gibraltar and ope you enjoy the rest of the series.
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Nice. Felt like I was there, which is the ultimate compliment for a travel blog
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Thank you so much for your kind words Barry. It’s so nice to learn that you enjoyed this post on Gibraltar. It’s a wonderful small place!
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Gibraltar looks very interesting and some great photos
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Thanks Alison for taking an interest in my series of posts on Gibraltar. It’s an amazing little place and somewhere you might like add to your itinerary next time you’re back in Europe. Let’s hope you won’t be waiting too much longer. Take care, Marion.
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You’re welcome Marion
It’s nice to read about places I’ve never been. I’ve never considered Gibraltar before
Will have to add it to my list for the very distant future!
I read yesterday it may not be untill 2022 until we can leave Australia 😫
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Yes, I read that too but let’s hope it’s not going to be so long and once the vaccines are rolled out travel will open up. As well as you itching to travel overseas we’d all like to make return visits your way too! Best wishes, Marion
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Thanks Marion 😎
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Beautiful place, the skyline looks great in many of them, I am in love with that skywalk for sure Marion!
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Thanks for taking an interest in this post on Gibraltar. It really is a special place! The Skywalk is thrilling and we both loved walking along it and taking in the dramatic views. Best wishes, Marion
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Thank you for sharing this. It brought back wonderful memories of my own visit.
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It’s my pleasure! It’s lovely to read that you have also visited Gibraltar and enjoyed this small British Overseas Territory. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
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Oh, this is so cool. Thank you for sharing your trip. Envy you a lot for being to travel!
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It’s great to hear from you Markus and Micah. Gibraltar is an amazing small slice of Britain on the Mediterranean with so many nice things to see and do. Let’s hope that everyone is able to travel again soon and that you might be inspired to visit Gibraltar one day, Marion
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There’s a lot more to Gibraltar than I thought. Thank you for taking the time to visit it all and then show it off.
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It’s my pleasure Lookoom. I’m so pleased to read that you are enjoying this series of posts on Gibraltar. It’s small but full of lovely things to see and do. Marion
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