Gibraltar is a British colony occupying 2.25 square miles on the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, sharing a border with Spain. It sits on the Strait of Gibraltar, which separates the Atlantic from the Mediterranean, and Europe from Africa. In ancient times, the towering limestone Rock of Gibraltar was known as one of the Pillars of Hercules; the other being across the Strait in Morocco.
With over 300 pages, and more than 1000 photographs, Discover Gibraltar is the biggest of today's websites. Use the drop-down menu to navigate to sections about Gibraltar's history, its relationship with Spain, and an answer to the frequently asked question: Why is Gibraltar British? "On the 4th August 1704, the English fleet, under Admiral Sir George Rooke, entered the Gibraltar Bay. At 3 P.M. 1,800 English and Dutch marines were landed close to the Rock with the Dutch Prince Hesse at the head. After several days of fierce fighting, the Spanish surrendered the Rock."
This official tourism site has a number of sections of interest to students: History & Politics, Barbary Apes, and Nature & Wildlife. "In a den high on the Rock live Gibraltar's most famous residents, the Barbary Apes, the only wild primates in all Europe. Friendly, charming and inquisitive, the apes have lived on the Rock for centuries. Legend says that when the apes leave, Gibraltar will cease to be British."
Even if you do not need a land tour because your only mode of travel is the Internet, this Gibraltar tour company has some nice pages about the most popular sites in Gibraltar. The Great Siege tunnels were built starting in 1782 as a way to get cannons onto the north face of the Rock. "The tunnelers relied on the strength of their arms, on their skill with a sledgehammer and a crowbar and were aided with gunpowder for blasting." One hundred fifty years later, during World War II, the tunnels were extended another thirty miles.
Having recently visited Gibraltar on a cruise ship that passed through the Strait, I enjoyed these 360 degree panoramic photos. The pictures rotate on their own, but you can also control them with your mouse. I visited just two of the six spots photographed: Upper Rock and Europa Point. The latter is the southernmost tip of Western Europe, with a lighthouse and a view of the Morocco coast. Follow the Gibraltar link in the top menu for a webcam, and a page devoted to Gibraltar postage stamps.
Best clicks here are St. Michael's Caves (known for its stalagmites and stalactites), the Gibraltar Apes, the Great Siege, and Guns of Gibraltar. The 100 Ton Gun was built in England in 1870 and put into use to defend Gibraltar against the same gun mounted on Italian navy boats. "Gibraltar's had very important guns that have formed part of its history. Finding out the story behind each of these guns is a history lesson in itself."
Buy Gibraltar Printable for $2.00
or try a FREE trial of the Printables ClubThe following links are either new discoveries or sites that didn't make it into my newspaper column because of space constraints. Enjoy!
Gibraltar and Barbary ApesGibraltar Travel and Holiday | Interactive Map of GibraltarOfficial Government of Gibraltar London Website |
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