Cosas que ver en Gibraltar de la A a la Z

AN A –Z OF THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN GIBRALTAR

Gibraltar offers an abundance of attractions incorporating its expansive history and modern development. Visitors are often surprised by the range of interests on offer and which appeal to both young and old alike.
Here is an alphabetical listing offering a taste of what Gibraltar has to offer.

A

Alameda Botanical Gardens

Filled with interesting botanical species, the gardens feature ponds, fountains, waterfalls, exotic plants and an open-air theatre.

American War Memorial
Erected in 1932 to commemorate the accomplishments and links between the Royal

Navy and the US Navy during WW1.

B

Barbary Apes

These tailless monkeys may have been introduced by the British in the early 18th century although it is not really known how or when they came to Gibraltar from the mountains of Morocco. There is a legend that says that should the apes ever leave Gibraltar so will the British, which is why Winston Churchill imported 24 more of these animals from Morocco during WWII!

Barbary Partridge

Gibraltar has its own unique bird. Again, the arrival of these birds, normally native in Morocco, to Gibraltar is a mystery. This partridge is unique on the European mainland.

Beaches

Gibraltar has six beaches Camp Bay, Catalan Bay, Eastern Beach, Little Bay, Western Beach and Sandy Bay.

C

Cable Car

The Cable Car ride takes you to a height of over 1000 feet from where you can take in the breathtaking view of two continents – to the north, Spain and directly across the Strait, the coast of Africa.

Casemates Square

This square at the entrance to Main Street is now a busy commercial area, which has recently been re-developed, but was once the site of public executions. Today the square is also the home of Gibraltar Crystal.

Catalan Bay

The original settlement and trading post of Genoese seafarers. Many of the residents of this area are of Genoese descent.

Cathedral of St Mary The Crowned

Situated in the centre of town, the Cathedral is built on the original site of the chief mosque. During the Great Siege most of the Spanish and Moorish Buildings were reduced to rubble by the constant barrage of shot and shell from the Spanish forces. However, some of the early structures can still be seen. The courtyard of orange trees was reduced in size during the 19th century to widen Main Street.

City Hall

This building on the far side of John Mackintosh Square houses Government offices and the Mayor’s official offices. The City Hall opened on the 28th November 1924.

City Under Siege Exhibition

This exhibition, which features 18th century graffiti and an old water system, is situated within one of the oldest buildings on the Upper Rock.

Convent Place

The Convent has been the official residence of the Governor of Gibraltar since 1728. It was a convent of Franciscan friars who first took abode here in 1531.

D

Devil’s Tongue

Situated on the present Waterport Wharf Road, this was the old Spanish Pier built during the reign of King Philip III.

Diving

Gibraltar offers a spectacular underwater world with more than thirty wrecks, reefs and pinnacles. There are three established diving schools that offer diving opportunities both for the experienced diver and the first-time novice.

Dolphins

There are three species of dolphin commonly found in the Bay of Gibraltar: the Common Dolphin, the Striped Dolphin and the large Bottle-nosed Dolphin.

Image Gallery: A to D Dolphin Pod riding waves [ 51 KB Download ] Beach [ 42 KB Download ] Beach with rock in background [ 48 KB Download ] Dolphin playing in the water [ 72 KB Download ] Entrance to Casemates [ 106 KB Download ] Cable Car view from the top [ 59 KB Download ] Casemates Square [ 59 KB Download ] Barbary Ape [ 40 KB Download ] Barbary Ape eating [ 43 KB Download ] Beach [ 51 KB Download ]
E to H E Eliott’s Monument The bust of General Sir George Augustus Eliott, later Lord Heathfield, the great defender of the Rock during the Great Siege, stands in the Alameda Garden Europa Point The southernmost tip of Europe and also home to the Trinity Lighthouse. Europort This area was reclaimed from the sea expanding Gibraltar’s land area by 1/10 of its size. It houses many offices and apartment blocks, including a financial centre, hospital and major British supermarket. F Fishing Positioned where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean, Gibraltar’s waters attract a varied range of marine life including Conger Eel, and 14 species of Bream. Flora and Fauna For 200 million years, the Rock has continually evolved and changed. Today it is carpeted with an array of flora and wild flowers, some indigenous such as the Gibraltar Candytuft and Gibraltar Chickweed. The Rock is covered in shrubs and trees, such as nettle trees, carob, eucalyptus and wild olive. Forbes’ Quarry On the 3rd March 1848, a skull was found in Forbes Quarry at the foot of the Rock’s North face. Unrecognised at the time but known to be prehistoric, it was put away until eight years later in the German Neander Valley another skull of the same species was found and named Neanderthal Man. G Garrison Library The brainchild of Colonel Drinkwater during the Great Siege who wrote and recorded an account of this important episode in Gibraltar’s history. Guided tours of the Library are now available. Gibraltar Chronicle Gibraltar’s daily newspaper is the 2nd oldest English publication and was founded in 1801. Its most famous scoop was reporting the victory at the Battle of Trafalgar. Gibraltar Museum The story of Gibraltar’s long and enduring past is depicted within the museum – from its origins to the present day. Glass Factory On the north side of Casemates Square set in what was originally an army barracks, is home to Gibraltar Crystal. The factory is open to visitors who can watch the glass blowers shape and work the molten glass by hand. Gorham’s Cave Gibraltar has in excess of 140 caves, however, Gorham’s Cave is best known for two archaeological excavations, which revealed extensive deposits dating back to the Neanderthal people and Neolithic inhabitants. This cave is not open to the public. Great Siege Tunnels A labyrinth of man-made tunnels excavated during the Great Siege 1779-83. There are over 30 miles of tunnels inside the Rock. H Hindu Temple Inaugurated in 2000, the Hindu Temple located in Engineer Lane, serves Gibraltar’s Hindu population of approximately 600. Image Gallery: E to H Tunnels [ 112 KB Download ] Europa Point - southern most point in Europe [ 27 KB Download ] I to N I Ibrahim-Al-Ibrahim Mosque Built in 1997, as a donation to the Muslim world from King Fahad of Saudi Arabia. The mosque is set at Europa Point and can be seen for miles at sea when lit up at night. Irish Town Two hundred years ago Gibraltar was divided into several towns of which Irish Town is one. Others include Portuguese Town, Black Town and Spanish Town. It is not known why the Irish were associated with this district, which still exists today. J James Bond The opening sequence of the James Bond movie “The Living Daylights”, was filmed on Gibraltar’s Upper Rock area. Jew’s Gate This scenic memorial point commands spectacular views over the Strait to the magnificent Rif Mountains of Morocco and the other pillar of Hercules, Jebel Musa. K King’s Bastion A former gun fortification, the bastion was the most important defensive position of the Rock’s westerly defences in 1773. Today it has been restored into a premier leisure facility with ice rink, bowling ally and cinema complex amongst other facilities. Koehler Gun The Koehler Gun can been seen in Casemates Square. The depression gun carriage was the invention of Lt. Koehler of the Royal Artillery during the time he was stationed in Gibraltar during the Great Siege. L Lime Kiln Dating back to the late nineteenth century, it is the last remaining lime kiln on the Rock. Lower St Michael’s Cave During WWII, excavations were being carried out at St Michael’s Cave to provide an additional entrance for the cave, which was intended for use as a hospital. It was during this time that another system of caves, which would become known as Lower St. Michael’s Cave, was discovered. The cave has an enchanting underground lake. Visits can be pre-arranged with the assistance of the Gibraltar Tourist Board. M Main Street Main Street, with its adjoining lanes is the centre of Gibraltar’s shopping district. The recentpedestrianisation has led to the opening of numerous outdoor cafes and bars. Many British high-street store branches and other shops selling quality goods are waiting to be discovered along the length of the street as it leads into Casemates Square. Marina Bay One of Gibraltar’s two marinas and a very popular dining district with a selection of restaurants and bars. Mediterranean Steps These ancient steps, which lead up to the eastern face of the Rock, start at Jew’s Gate on the Upper Rock and end up at the highest point. A fantastic area for ramblers and nature lovers, affording spectacular views of the strait. Military Heritage Centre Artefacts of military history are on display at the Military Heritage Centre housed within Princess Caroline’s Battery. Moorish Baths Located within the Gibraltar Museum complex, the baths date back to the times of Moorish occupation and are exceptionally preserved. Moorish Castle - Tower of Homage Dating back to 1160 AD, the Castle and Tower bear the scars from centuries of conflict. N Nature Reserve Gibraltar’s Nature Reserve in the Upper Rock is a conservation area with an array of rare flora and fauna. It is also home to a wide species of wildlife. Nelson’s Anchorage From here there are magnificent views across the Strait of Gibraltar and Rosia Bay. It was to Rosia Bay, that HMS Victory was towed after the Battle of Trafalgar, carrying Admiral Nelson’s body reputedly in a barrel of Rum. The 100 Ton Gun, one of two remaining in the world, looks over this historic area. Nightlife As a Mediterranean hotspot Gibraltar’s bars and restaurants remain open until late. In addition, there is an international casino and several disco bars, chill out lounges and King’s Bastion leisure centre. Image Gallery: I to N Moorish Castle [ 87 KB Download ] Street Shopping [ 141 KB Download ] Architecture on Main Street close up [ 116 KB Download ] Main street for shopping and eating [ 65 KB Download ] Marina at sunset [ 97 KB Download ] O to Z O Ocean Village A newly developed glamorous marina with an array of restaurants, bars and an international casino. O’Hara’s Tower and Battery Originally built from 1787-91 on order of one of Gibraltar’s Governor’s who believed, erroneously, that if the Rock was just that little bit higher, his ‘look-outs’ could see the Spanish fleets as they left harbour. The Tower structure was a failure and became known as “O’Hara’s Folly” named after the Governor, General O’Hara. In 1935, the battery was reconstructed. The Battery is not open to the general public. Open Air Theatre This amphitheatre set in the heart of the Alameda Botanical Gardens, is over 180 years old. It boasts a tropical water lily pond, which adds to its ambiance as an outdoor stage for theatre and live performances. Ornithology Gibraltar is a haven for many species of birds such as the spectacular Griffon Vulture or Gibraltar’s resident Barbary Partridge. The Strait of Gibraltar is the shortest migratory crossing point between Europe and Africa. P Parliament House The current seat of Gibraltar’s Parliament, it was opened by Governor Sir George Don following a public subscription to fund its erection in 1817. The building was destroyed by fire in 1919 and entirely rebuilt and re-opened by Governor Sir, Horace Lockwood Smith-Dorrien in 1922. Parson’s Lodge A Victorian Battery built in the 1800’s and dominating Camp Bay. Old Spanish perimeter walls, later reinforced by the British, are still visible. The Battery dominates the southern point of Rosia Bay. The Lodge is not open to the general public. Prince Edward’s Gate This gate, in Charles V wall, overlooks the Trafalgar Cemetery and is named after Queen Victoria’s father, the Duke of Kent, who was Governor of Gibraltar in 1802. Philately On January 1st 1886 the then Colonial Government of Gibraltar assumed control of its postal services. Prior to this date UK stamps had been used for the pre-payment of postage and a distinctive Gibraltar postmark was used. Today The Philatelic Bureau provides a subscription service for collectors. Q Queensway Quay Marina One of Gibraltar’s two marinas and situated at the base of Charles V wall. It is a popular recreational area for water sports and dining out. Queen Victoria Memorial Situated in Governor’s Parade, this monument was unveiled on 24th May 1910 by Governor Sir F Forestier-Walker. The bust is by the Italian sculptor Lazzarini and rests on a pillar of Gibraltar limestone. R Rosia Bay The site where Lord Nelson’s body was bought ashore from HMS Victory after the Battle of Trafalgar. S Shrine of Our Lady of Europe Located at Europa Point, this shrine was originally a mosque and converted into a chapel by the Spaniards in 1462. During its history the Shrine was pillaged by the pirate Redbeard. Its most valuable treasure is the fifteenth statue of the Virgin and Child. St Michael’s Cave There are over 150 caves inside Gibraltar’s Rock in which numerous fossil remains have been found. The most famous cave is St. Michael’s Cave, which is a dramatic natural grotto rich with stalagmites and stalactites. The cave’s natural auditorium is used for concerts and theatre performances. Southport Gates At the end of Main Street, believed to be built on the site of the original fortifications during the defence of the Rock. T The Great Synagogue Gibraltar has a considerable Jewish community and the Great Synagogue is one of the oldest on the Iberian Peninsula, dating back to 1724. The Mount The former residence of the senior officer of the Royal Navy in Gibraltar. 1797-1997. 100 Ton Gun An incredible piece of Victorian artillery built to fire 2000lb shells a distance of 8 miles, once every 4 minutes. Steam driven and taking 35 men to operate, the gun was built in 1872 and is located at the Napier of Magdala Battery, also know as Nelson’s Anchorage. Trafalgar Cemetery An old military cemetery, named to commemorate those killed in the Battle of Trafalgar. The graves of two gentlemen who died in this famous battle are found here. A ceremony is held in this area annually on Trafalgar Day. Trinity Lighthouse Located on the southern tip of Gibraltar at Europa Point, the lighthouse is still in use and its light can be seen from a distance of 30 miles. It is the only Trinity House Lighthouse outside the UK. U Upper Galleries Also referred to as the Great Siege Tunnels. V VAT free shopping Gibraltar offers one of the finest shopping experiences in the Mediterranean with hundreds of quality items. Speciality buys include cosmetics, perfumery, jewellery, tobacco, spirits and electrical goods. W Wellington Monument The bust of Field Marshal the Duke of Wellington was fixed upon a site in the Alameda Gardens by Governor Sir George Don on the April 10th 1819. Windsurfing As well as being a popular sport in Gibraltar, Tarifa – viewed as possibly the capital in Europe of windsurfing, is just 40 minutes drive away. World War II Tunnels World War II Tunnel Tours run through the principal tunnels between Maida Vale and Princess Royal’s Battery and include Great North Road, Calpe Hole and Calpe Hospital. X X-tra ordinary attractions A surprising amount and variety of attractions waiting to be discovered. Y Yachting A variety of sailing schools offering first class tuition are based in Gibraltar, together with yacht charter and pleasure cruising. An annual International Regatta also takes place in the summer. Z Zoology A mini zoo, known as the Alameda Conservation Park, is located within the Botanical Gardens. Image Gallery: O to Z Tunnels [ 112 KB Download ] Ocean Village and Marina [ 106 KB Download ] Marina at sunset [ 97 KB Download ]