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A Gibraltarian's Guide to Gibraltar.
- Places of Interest - Off the beaten track.
This page lists all the places of interests throughout the lower rock of Gibraltar which are either not widely accessible or off the beaten tourist track.
Lower St Michael's Cave (By arrangement)
This is one by Appointment only and I must warn you that it is for those who are fit and strong. 
This part of St Michael's Cave was accidentally found when they were digging out tunnels during WWII. It is fully lit and guided tours must be arranged via appointment through the Gibraltar Tourist Board offices located at Casemates. Children under 10 are not allowed. The tour takes about 2 to 3 hours and you must be prepared for physical exertion. Trainers are not ideal and that proper climbing boots are preferable. Eventually you will descend into Gibraltar's only lake, deep inside the cave complex. I am told the water is not drinkable.
Garrison Library (free admittance)
Founded in 1793 by Colnel John Drinkwater Bethune, the Library would see the launch of the world's second oldest newspaper eight years later. The Gibraltar Chronicle was first printed here in 1801 and would carry news of the the victory of the Battle of Trafalgar on October 23 1805, one month before the London Times.
Included in that issue, was a letter from Admiral Collingwood to the Governor of Gibraltar, Henry Edward Fox, giving an account of the battle.
The Chronicle moved out of the Garrison Library in 2006, with the print works, one year later.
Today, the Garrison Library is still home to the archive of the Gibraltar Chronicle, plus 35,000 books focused mainly on travel and culture, some of which are very rare.
picture britishgibraltar.com
Europa Point
This is as far as you can go in the European Continent. It is the southern most tip before crossing over to Africa. For many years, Europa point has been a destination for tourists to visit the Shrine to Our Lady of Europe, The Last Shop in Europe (really) and of course the famous Gibraltar Trinity Lighthouse. However, it has to be said, that Europa point is nothing more than a waste land. Apart from the attractions mentioned above, it is a derelict place, neglected and unloved for decades.
back in the 1970's there used to be a down ramp which hang over the edge of the rock and abandoned/scrapped cars were dropped into the sea, very environmentally friendly - not.
Of course, that doesn't happen anymore but it just underlines what successive Gibraltar Governments have thought about the place. 
Plans are now afoot to redevelop the place and give it the mother of all face lifts as you can see by the photo on the left. Works were scheduled to start in January 2008. But to date, all the works have incorporated is the demolition of some old buildings and a lot of fence railing going up, some of which is now lying on its side. That's it, nothing else has been touched and the whole area now looks a lot worse than before. As a result, the last shop in Europe is now closed and there is nowhere left to purchase any refreshments or souvenirs.
The redevelopment plans promise a mecca for tourists and Gibraltarians, but when it will actually be completed is any one's guess, it could be another decade or century.
Shrine to Our Lady of Europe (free admittance)
Situated in Europa Point at the far end of Gibraltar, This place is not only a chapel, where you can light a candle and say a prayer, but it also has a museum alongside it with information about the Shrine itself and its various uses through the ages.
Originally built as a mosque, but captured in 1462 by Don Rodrigo Ponce de Leon when the moors were finally driven out of the last point in Europe. It was converted to a Christian shrine and a chapel was added at the end of the then mosque's eastern wall.
The story about this place is fascinating, not only was it also a guard post at various times during Gibraltar's History, but it also served as Gibraltar's original lighthouse for many years. Here Sailors would call on their way in and out of the Mediterranean and leave gifts, as a thank you, oil lamps were lit on the top of the tower to warn sailors of the nearby rocks below.
The Chapel hosts a two foot statue of the Virgin Mary holding Jesus on her lap, with a sceptre and dates back centuries. At one point a Pirate called Red Beard looted the place, but left the Statue intact.In 1979 the title of Our Lady of Europe as Patroness of Gibraltar, was approved by Pope John Paul II and subsequently, the shrine was restored to the state it is today.Photo's Shrine: & Statue gibraltar.costasur.com
The Last Shop in Europe (now closed)
Here you could at one time, stop for something to eat, a cup of tea or coffee, souvenirs and snacks. Alas, thanks to the building works it is now closed and the place looks derelict with broken windows etc. Admittedly, it was badly dilapidated and an eyesore before the works, so if it gets pulled down and re-built, it will be an improvement. Outside the shop, were some interesting and informative decorations/ornaments which I photographed and recorded for posterity, just in case they too get demolished.
above photo:Archive when shop was open. source: wikipedia commons
Click to enlarge
Trinity Lighthouse Gibraltar. (no admittance to public)
The southern most Lighthouse maintained by Trinity outside the UK. It was built in 1841 and has a lighthouse keeper's lodge alongside it. Alas it is now fully automated, although the lodge remains and is apparently in use by a resident, so please respect their property.
The lighthouse's light can be seen up to 30 miles away, and despite radar and other modern navigational aids, still works every night warning passing ships as they enter and exit the treacherous seas of the Gibraltar straight.
Just how treacherous it is, can be seen by the photograph on the left, this ship, The New Flame, run aground in Gibraltar's waters, less than a mile from the the lighthouse itself.
The ship is being salvaged bit by bit, as leaving it there would constitute a major navigational and environmental hazard.
A Gibraltarian's Guide to Gibraltar.
- Places of Interest - Lower Rock
This page lists all the places of interests throughout the lower rock.
Alameda Botanic Gardens. (Free Admittance)
Marilyn Monroe had her mole and this is Gibraltar's true beauty spot, a lovely lush section of the lower rock which was founded back in 1816.
The Gardens fell into neglect in the 1970's and would remain neglected for nigh on two decades before the Government decided to re-dedicate it as a Botanic garden. Today the Gardens are a wonderful example of human design working alongside Mother nature, the gardens themselves are what could only be described as a lush paradise.Here you will find exotic and sweet scented flowers from warmer climbs all mixed and interacting in a
riot of colour that has to be seen to be believed.Whilst not on the same size as Kew Gardens in London and requiring some hill and step climbing to see it all, the Gardens are unique in splendour and tranquility. Bring a picnic and happily lose a couple of hours on a bench just relaxing whilst watching migratory birds come and go between Europe and Africa as well as rare and ordinary species of butterflies intermingling with the Cable Car which rises up overhead. There are also guided tours of the botanic gardens at certain times of the year, details of which can be found at the Alameda Gardens Website.
The Gardens also hosts a mini wildlife "park" and Open Air Theatre within its confines.
Wildlife Park 
Alameda Wildlife Park to give it is correct name, is a small haven for animals seized by the Gibraltar Police and Customs. It was started in 1994 and houses a collection of parrots, land tortoises, squirrels, a pot bellied pig and other types of monkeys which were confiscated from illegal traders. Sadly, because they are confiscated animals, they cannot be returned to the wild, but the park does its best to look after the animals and use them for conservation and educational purposes.
The Wildlife park can perhaps be a major disappointment for adults but young kids will love it. Families with teenagers would perhaps consider somewhere else.
Those who are infirm or disabled should be warned that the park is set against terraces requiring a lot of steps down and up to see the animals. That said, it cost a miserly £2 per adult and £1.50 for kids. All money raised is used to care for the animals, which are housed in large wire cages and don't roam wild. Admittedly, to use the term, "Park" is stretching it a bit, the couple of terraces its set in would probably cover no more than 2 - 3 tennis courts
The highlight for me and my daughter was the Prevost Squirrels which have a "tunnel" wire cage running from one spot of the park to the other. No matter how much I tried to take a picture of them, they wouldn't sit still!
Tickets are purchased at the top (animals are housed below the ticket office) where you can also purchase ice creams and drinks. Overall, this wildlife "park" could do with the Gibraltar tourist board taking a lead in obtaining some funding to do it up a bit and publicising it better.
Click to enlarge
Red Eared Terrapins / Praire Dog / Prevost Squirell (told you they wouldn't sit still!)
Alameda Open Air Theatre
Hosts a number of plays & dance events including Miss Gibraltar throughout the warmer months.
full details from the Alameda website. Incidentally "The Prince of Egypt" was being performed during my visit there but whether it was a play, a ballet or something else was hard to fathom. This is one of the most frustrating things about the place!. Tickets could only be purchased from a shop somewhere in Gibraltar I can't remember which shop, but there wasn't a central box office, a phone number or a website you could visit or get information about the actual event itself.
This is symptomatic throughout the Arts scene in Gibraltar.
One Hundred Ton Gun 
Originally two of four 100 Ton guns built in Newcastle Upon Tyne by Sir W.C. Armstrong in 1870. The other two were sent to Malta where one is also preserved to this day. The one here was last fired as late as 2002.
Powered by Steam and Hydraulics these guns took 3 hours before the pressure was sufficient to fire them. They were capable of firing one shot every four minutes with a 35 man crew of all ranks in attendance. (Firing time was acceptable at the time because warships of that day were very slow) These guns could, at the time reach a distance of 8 miles and could fire a 2000lb shell.
Photo: not mine
Admittance is £1 Adult and £1 Children. Also included as part of the Upper Rock attractions, meaning that you can get in for free if you show your Upper rock receipt.
Gibraltar Museum
Almost hidden behind Main Street and the Bristol hotel and located in a street called Bomb House Lane, you will find the Gibraltar Museum. The site is a hotchpotch of buildings, with rooms of varying sizes, corridors and basements all branching out everywhere. But don't let that put you off! Gibraltar has a very rich, if not diverse history and the museum does its best to convey the history of the place and its people. From the early Neanderthal man (Gibraltar is thought to be the last outpost/refuge for them), right up to the present day.
If you're into knowledge and culture this is a facinating place to spend a couple of hours in, however most kids will soon get bored with the place as there isn't much for them to do here so bear that in mind if you visit.
Highlights include the original Moorish baths, which lie underneath the museum itself, the 15 minute film of Gibraltar and its history, the two egyptian mummies, plus some facinating insights/exhibits on Neanderthal man.
Overall the museum is well worth its admittance fee of £2.00 Adults and £1.00 Children. I would also recommend the museum's website too.
Gibraltar Crystal (Free Admittance)
Situated on Casemates, This is a commercial outlet selling beautiful hand made glass items of intricate and ornate craftsmanship
However It is more than just a shop because it is split into two, with the left side of the premises being a museum and workshop. Here you can find the actual glass smith and apprentices craft the glass into lovely sculptures and glasses.
On the day we went, we found the glass smith (1st photo below) working on a beautiful glass paper weight . He explained that a very rare back-wind had blown down the chimmney and into the furnace blowing molten shards of glass onto his arm just as he was taking the paperweight out. (I think he said the furnace is at 1000 degrees Celcius). I guess his arms were used to the heat, as he just brushed off the rapidly cooling molten glass before our eyes with as much discomfort as a person brushing off a spec of dirt. He went on to explain how the glass paper weight involves many stages of production, with the inner decoration being crafted first, fired, and then enveloped inside an overall glass sphere which would now sit in the oven at 500 degrees Celsius for two days to avoid cracking. The workshop itself has some exhibits on all aspects of glass blowing/making, but there is nothing more interesting as watching the process right before your very eyes.
The right side of the premises has a well lit, shop with rows and rows of shelves displaying items from as little as £8 right in to the hundreds and they even claim they can make wine glasses to your own individual design.WebsiteClick to enlarge
Dolphin Spotting 
If you have never been Dolphin Spotting, then, go. It doesn't matter how much it costs, it is an experience that will stay with you forever.
Its well worth the money.
Note, that you need to book in advance to take this trip.
Usually you can enquire on the morning of the day you wish to set off and a time of availability will be given when you can come back to board the boat.
There are currently three operators of Dolphin spotting boats in Gibraltar. They are:
Prices vary from between £20 to £25 for Adults and £10 - £12 for Children. Trip last around 1 hour 30 mins.We booked with Dolphin Adventure who have a bright yellow catamaran (I'm told it wobbles less on the sea). We arrived at their offices around 11am consulted with them and was informed to come back at 2:00pm. Because there were about 8 of us they kindly gave us a slight discount. I am sure the others do too. After a small wait at the marina (for the other passengers) we eventually set off. The staff were very welcoming and friendly making us feel at ease. Now, I suffer from sea sickness even in still waters when the boat is stationary, however throughout the trip the boat was in constant movement, even if slow, and I didn't even get a tinge of sea-sickness.
After 10 minutes or so out, navigating past the big cargo and passenger ships in the Bay of Gibraltar, we got to the area where the dolphins can be found. Normally you only get to see the common dolphin but a bluenose dolphin came to Gibraltar as a calf and stayed. Additionally depending on the time of year you can also see whales as well.
Please bear in mind that dolphin spotting cannot be guaranteed, but the success rate is around 95% or so.
Eventually we saw the dolphins, including the bluenose and followed them for a while around the bay of Gibraltar, it appears there was a female and the males were being a bit "friendly". (As you can see from the movie above). All in all, It was absolutely fantastic and an experience to cherish which you and your kids (if you have any) will never forget,
- Thanks to everyone at Dolphin Adventure.
This is one by Appointment only and I must warn you that it is for those who are fit and strong. 
This part of St Michael's Cave was accidentally found when they were digging out tunnels during WWII. It is fully lit and guided tours must be arranged via appointment through the Gibraltar Tourist Board offices located at Casemates. Children under 10 are not allowed. The tour takes about 2 to 3 hours and you must be prepared for physical exertion. Trainers are not ideal and that proper climbing boots are preferable. Eventually you will descend into Gibraltar's only lake, deep inside the cave complex. I am told the water is not drinkable.
Founded in 1793 by Colnel John Drinkwater Bethune, the Library would see the launch of the world's second oldest newspaper eight years later. The Gibraltar Chronicle was first printed here in 1801 and would carry news of the the victory of the Battle of Trafalgar on October 23 1805, one month before the London Times.
The story about this place is fascinating, not only was it also a guard post at various times during Gibraltar's History, but it also served as Gibraltar's original lighthouse for many years. Here Sailors would call on their way in and out of the Mediterranean and leave gifts, as a thank you, oil lamps were lit on the top of the tower to warn sailors of the nearby rocks below.
