Located on the Iberian Peninsula and considered to be the "door to the Mediterranean," Gibraltar has been a British colony since 1713. Not that the Spanish wouldn't like it back. In 1967 Franco closed the border between Spain and Gibraltar, hoping that it would suffer economically and be returned to Spain. This was not to happen. In 1969 the residents of Gibraltar took a vote to see if they would remain British or become Spanish. The results: 12,138 votes to stay under British rule, 44 votes to become Spanish.

History of the Rock and the Barbary Apes

Covering just six square miles in area and rising 461 feet above sea level, Gibraltar has always been a strategic military post. A narrow isthmus separates Gibraltar from the mainland. The straits of Gibraltar separate the Atlantic Ocean from the Mediterranean Sea. In the eighth century it was occupied by the Visigoths. Invaded by the Tangier Arab army of Tarak, it was the first place in Europe conquered by the Arabs. It would remain under Muslim rule until 1462, when the Christian armies of Isabella and Ferdinand liberated it from the Muslims. In 1704 it fell into Anglo-German hands. And in 1713 under the Utrecht Treaty, England was awarded control of the rock.

Today Gibraltar has a population of about 30,000 full time residents who are bilingual and speak a mixture of English and Spanish. They have their own currency, based on the British Pound Sterling, and a democratically elected government.

It has been said that when all the apes disappear from Gibraltar, it will become Spanish again. The apes are Barbary Macaques that were likely brought from Morocco during the Arab occupation. Currently there are six tribes of apes living on the island. This is the last place in Europe where apes live in the wild. The upper area of the Rock is designated a nature reserve and it is illegal to harm the apes. If injured, they actually receive medical treatment in the local hospitals.

Plenty to see and do on Gibraltar

Gibraltar itself is a limestone rock riddled with caves. It may seem like there is no reason to visit, but that is not true. Gibraltar is a popular shopping destination with Europeans. It is said to have the best prices in Europe. This is because it is a tax free haven in which to purchase electronics, jewelry, liquor, and petrol (gasoline). There are 10 gas stations in Gibraltar. Its border traffic is non stop. The Spanish come to shop and fill up their gas tanks with cheap petrol. The Gibraltarians head to Spain for the nightlife and the recreational facilities.

Gibraltar holds the Guinness world record for having the airport closest to the town center. It is only a five-minute walk away. You must cross the air strip when you enter Gibraltar. Airplanes have the right-away.

There is a lot to see and do in Gibraltar. It is a place rich in history. Visit the medieval castle that dates to 1333 AD, or take the cable car to the top of the Rock where, on a clear day, you can see all the way to Africa. Take a “Rock tour” and explore Gibraltar by mini-van. Visit the great Siege tunnels constructed by the British between 1779 and 1783. Stop at the Gibraltar museum or the botanical gardens. The botanical gardens opened in 1816 and feature over 600 species of trees, shrubs, cacti and plants. Go up to the lighthouse on Europa point (Punta Europa) and see the pillars of Hercules across the strait.

A visit to the Cave of San Miguel is a must. St. Michaels cave is a show cave, complete with paved sidewalks, lights, gift shop and an underground concert hall. It is a popular place for weddings. Take a 90-minute cruise to see the dolphins and whales that pass by the rock. Or go shopping. Casemates Square is full of shops offering tax free merchandise to the visitor. Although the prices are good for Europeans, North Americans will not find any real bargains especially on electronics.

If you want to visit, Gibraltar is easily reached by car from Costa del Sol in Spain. There are daily flights from London, England to the Rock. You can access it from the sea, as there are three harbors in Gibraltar and a daily ferry service to/from Morocco.

Gibraltar is a wonderful place to spend a day or two. It is a great European shopping destination. Seeped in history, it offers the military buff a variety of things to see and do. It may be small in area but Gibraltar is rich in history, culture and atmosphere.