United Kingdom, Gibraltar: sightseeing, description and interesting facts

In the south of the Pyrenees lies the autonomous territory of Great Britain bordering with Spain, attracting tourists from all over the globe. The unique geographical position of a small piece of land is a great delight for all who have the opportunity to admire the African coast of Morocco a few kilometers away.

Even in ancient times, the ancient city-state with a difficult fate was considered the legendary pillar of Hercules, beyond which you can see the end of the world. Where the European continent is as close as possible to Africa, Gibraltar is at its bottleneck, which has caused discord between two major countries.

Stumbling block

Mons Kalpe, as has long been called the overseas British territory, has a long history. For these lands, most of the area occupied by the Rock of Gibraltar, German tribes and Moors fought, and during the Roman Empire a miniature state was under its domination.

At the beginning of the XVII century, Spanish soldiers captured the land, later passed under the terms of the imposed Utrecht peace to Britain. For a long time the territory with a 426-meter-high mountain was a stumbling block in the relations of two influential kingdoms.

At the 1967 referendum, most of the inhabitants of a small country expressed a desire to remain in the possession of Britain, and Spain, long trying to challenge the fact of belonging to Gibraltar, for seventeen years kept the border with it closed.

Business card of the country

A miniature country with a population of about thirty thousand attracts a large stream of tourists who want to get acquainted with "Little England". Hospitable Gibraltar, whose attractions amaze with diversity, is primarily known for towering above the city limestone rock - the visiting card of the peninsula. You can climb it on foot, by taxi or a special funicular. From the equipped observation deck guests of the country have a magnificent panorama to the picturesque city, lying at the foot, coast of Spain and Africa.

Caves formed in the rock

Formed by natural processes, caves attract thousands of travelers who admire the unique underground kingdom that is famous outside the country of Gibraltar (Spain). Sights created by nature itself are visited by about one million people a year. According to ancient legends, under the strait there is a secret multi-kilometer walk.

The bottomless cave of St. Michael, where the rock painting of the primitive man was found, conceals a multitude of cavities, representing entire colonies of stalactites and stalagmites. It is interesting that in the majestic Dungeon Cathedral there are often performances and concert performances that gather up to four hundred people.

Attractions of Gibraltar. What to see?

A formidable rock preserves the memory of the bloody wars that have been going on for many centuries. In it, in addition to natural voids, there are many tunnels of artificial origin dug by the British. Great Siege Tunnels - this is a whole defensive complex, for many centuries holding back the enemy. Covered galleries, playing the role of message routes, dungeons and warehouses for food, are rightfully proud of the self-governing British colony.

Gibraltar, whose sights reflect the military past, will interest an ordinary tourist opened in 2005 by an intricate labyrinth of underground communications. For the forts hidden from the eyes of people with a lot of winding moves, expanded during the Second World War, now everyone can walk. Of course, the numerous caves of the city-state can hardly be seen in one day.

Moorish Castle

Built in the Middle Ages Moorish castle - another good reason to visit the amazing Gibraltar. The sights, erected after the Arab fortifications were destroyed by the Spaniards, were considered the main construction of the region. Defensive fortifications that stretched from the sea to the upper part of the city were rebuilt by the Moors who conquered the territory in the 14th century.

The fortress, called the Tower of Honor, after the end of all wars turned into a city museum that accepts all visitors, however, you can only get to know four rooms at the top of the castle, since the lower part is a stone monolith.

Gates for defense

Part of the defensive structures built during the years of British colonization, are the Gate of Prince Edward, once part of the former city wall. Prince Edward's Gate, defending the flanks of the bastion, are named in honor of the commander of the infantry regiment. The historical monument has been restored and is open to all tourists who came to rest in Gibraltar (Great Britain). Sights that have an ancient history and survived several wars, store traces of the artillery fire of the enemy.

A very nearby is the famous Trafalgar Cemetery, where two valorous defenders are battling for the independence of the state. It is known about 68 buried in a necropolis, built in the late XVIII century, although in fact the graves are much larger.

The kingdom of wild wild

Continuing the conversation about what is famous for the whole world of the amazing Gibraltar, whose attractions are not limited to viewing only historical monuments, I want to mention the wild monkeys that have become a symbol of the country. This is the only place in Europe where Magotians live - Maghreb macaques. Free-dominating primates beg for food, and tourists who have forgotten can even steal a bag.

The kingdom of monkeys is located in the reserve Apes Den (Apes Den), which is included in the TOP-10 of the best attractions of Gibraltar. Here you can walk the whole family and get the unspeakable pleasure of communicating with the funny little animals. Tourists are attracted by the opportunity to watch the tailless animals live and even take pictures with them. However, it is strictly forbidden to feed the magot, otherwise you can run into a large fine.

the main street

Gibraltar, whose attractions are the pride of the indigenous population, attracts tourists not only with ancient history and the picturesque view opening from the cliff. They often come here for the sake of excellent shopping, as the prices for goods in the state are much lower than in European boutiques. Very popular with tourists is the central street stretching along the southern part of the Iberian Peninsula , where there are souvenir shops, cozy beer restaurants, entertainment venues. Main Street is not for nothing called the main business and trade artery of the city.

Here you can see the magnificent Catholic and Protestant cathedrals, the restored royal chapel, the elegant residence of the governor. A narrow busy street, on either side of which are colorful shop windows and historical monuments, are some kind of local landmarks of Gibraltar. Self-examination of your favorite corner of urban residents can be in a few hours.

Hospitable city-fortress

The densely populated peninsula, the doors of which are always open for those who want it, draws tourists from different parts of the world who come for a full rest in comfortable hotels and bright impressions. There are plenty of entertainment for every taste and purse, so everyone who has visited Gibraltar, dream of their return to the quiet and cozy peninsula.