At the Gorham’s Cave Complex, Gibraltar’s history extends far beyond fortifications and seafaring. The area on Gibraltar’s eastern side covers about 28 hectares and was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016. Over a period of about 120,000 years, it preserves evidence of settlement and the cultural and material culture of Neanderthals and early modern humans. Here, the focus is on a very long history of human settlement.
Museums and Military Heritage
The Gibraltar National Museum is dedicated to Gibraltar’s history, culture and natural history. Beneath Ordnance House at the museum lie the chambers of an ancient bathhouse from Gibraltar’s Moorish period. The Moorish Castle is also a historic building: its Tower of Homage was largely rebuilt around 1333 AD. The Moorish Castle is closed until further notice due to ongoing works.
The Great Siege Tunnels form a defensive system developed by military engineers. Harding’s Battery, by contrast, preserves a gun emplacement built for an RML gun; an ammunition magazine lies beneath it. These two sites therefore focus on a defensive system and a specific gun emplacement with a magazine underneath.
Historically, King’s Bastion could command most of Gibraltar’s western sea defences and nearby anchorages. It was later converted into a leisure facility. Check the latest operating information before visiting.
Historic Streets and Botanical Paths
Gibraltar’s Old Town invites you to stroll through its historic streets. The Alameda Gardens opened on 14 April 1816 as an outdoor leisure area. In the Alameda Botanical Gardens, walking paths lead through Gibraltar’s diverse flora and fauna. The grounds also include an adventure playground for young children.
The garden paths offer a distinct perspective on Gibraltar’s natural world; the Gorham’s Cave Complex, in turn, foregrounds evidence of human settlement over about 120,000 years. Those interested in different aspects of the destination can explore botanical discoveries and heritage as separate themes.
Library, Memorial and Views
The Gibraltar Garrison Library was founded in 1793. It is open daily as a reference library and research centre, offering open access to the collections and archives listed in its catalogue. Check the latest opening hours before visiting. At Trafalgar Cemetery, the Royal Navy commemorates the Battle of Trafalgar every year on the Sunday closest to 21 October.
Europa Point is Gibraltar’s southernmost headland and a viewpoint across to Africa. The Trinity Lighthouse at Europa Point has helped guide navigation through the Strait of Gibraltar since 1841 and is the only lighthouse of its kind outside the United Kingdom.
The Gibraltar Nature Reserve was officially designated as a nature reserve in 1993. There is also an important rule to bear in mind: unauthorised private vehicles are not permitted in the Gibraltar Nature Reserve.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Gibraltar, Spain, Anguilla, Comoros, Seychelles, Bahamas, Taiwan, The Gambia.
