In the south of the Pyrenees there is an autonomous territory of Great Britain bordering on Spain, attracting tourists from all over the globe. The unique geographical position of a small piece of land is a huge delight for everyone who gets the opportunity to admire Morocco's African coast located several kilometers away.
Even in ancient times, the ancient city-state with a difficult fate was considered the legendary pillar of Hercules, behind which you can see the end of the world. Where the European continent is as close as possible to Africa, Gibr altar is located at its narrowest point, which has become the cause of disagreement between the two large countries.
Stumbling block
Mons Calpe, as the British overseas territory has long been called, has a long history. These lands, most of which are occupied by the Rock of Gibr altar, were fought over by German tribes and Moors, and during the time of the Roman Empire, a miniature state was under its domination.
BAt the beginning of the 17th century, Spanish warriors seized the land, which later passed under the terms of the imposed Peace of Utrecht to Britain. For a long time, the territory with a 426-meter mountain was a stumbling block in relations between two influential kingdoms.
In a referendum in 1967, the majority of the inhabitants of a small country expressed their desire to remain in the possession of Great Britain, and Spain, which for a long time tried to challenge the fact that Gibr altar belonged, kept the border with it closed for seventeen years.
Visiting card of the country
A miniature country with a population of about thirty thousand attracts a large flow of tourists who want to get acquainted with "little England". Hospitable Gibr altar, whose sights are striking in variety, is primarily known for the limestone rock towering above the city - the hallmark of the peninsula. You can climb it on foot, by taxi or a special funicular. From the equipped observation deck, guests of the country can enjoy a delightful panorama of the picturesque city, which lies at the foot of the coast of Spain and Africa.
Caves formed in rock
Caves formed as a result of natural processes attract thousands of travelers admiring the unique underground kingdom, which is famous outside the country of Gibr altar (Spain). Sights created by nature itself are visited by about one million people a year. According to ancient legends, there is a secret multi-kilometer passage under the strait.
Considered to be bottomless, the cave of St. Michael, where the cave paintings of primitive man were found, conceals many cavities, which are entire colonies of stalactites and stalagmites. Interestingly, in the majestic Cathedral Hall of the dungeon, performances and concert performances are often held, gathering up to four hundred people.
Sights of Gibr altar. What to see?
The formidable rock keeps the memory of the bloody wars that took place over many centuries. In it, in addition to natural voids, there are many artificial tunnels dug by the British. Great Siege Tunnels is a whole defensive complex that has been holding back the enemy for many centuries. Covered galleries, which played the role of communication passages, dungeons and warehouses for food, are rightfully proud of the self-governing British colony.
Gibr altar, the sights of which reflect the military past, will interest the ordinary tourist in the intricate labyrinth of underground communications opened in 2005. Hidden from the eyes of people, the forts with many winding passages, expanded during the Second World War, can now be walked by everyone. Of course, the numerous caves of the city-state can hardly be explored in one day.
Moorish Castle
Built during the Middle Ages, the Moorish Castle is another good reason to visit amazing Gibr altar. Landmarks erected after the Arab fortifications weredestroyed by the Spaniards, were considered the main building of the region. The 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 receives all visitors, however, you can get acquainted with only four rooms on top of the castle, since the lower part is a stone monolith.
Gates for defense
Part of the fortifications built during the years of British colonization is the Prince Edward Gate, once part of the former city wall. Prince Edward's Gate, which protected the flanks of the bastion, is named after the commander of the infantry regiment. The historical monument has been restored and is open to all tourists who come to rest in Gibr altar (Great Britain). Sights that have an ancient history and survived several wars keep traces of enemy artillery fire.
And very close is the famous Trafalgar Cemetery, where two valiant defenders who fought for the independence of the state are buried. It is known about 68 buried in the necropolis built at the end of the 18th century, although in fact there are many more graves.
Kingdom of wild Magoths
Continuing the conversation about what amazing Gibr altar is famous for all over the world, the sights of which are not limited tovisiting only historical monuments, I would like to mention the wild monkeys that have become a symbol of the country. This is the only place in Europe where magots live - Maghreb macaques. Free-spirited primates beg for food, and gaping tourists may even have their bags stolen.
The Monkey Kingdom is located in the Apes Den Nature Reserve, which is one of the TOP 10 best attractions in Gibr altar. Here you can take a walk with the whole family and get indescribable pleasure from communicating with funny animals. Tourists are attracted by the opportunity to watch tailless animals live and even take pictures with them. However, it is strictly forbidden to feed magots, otherwise you can run into a large fine.
Main Street
Gibr altar, whose sights are the pride of the indigenous population, attracts tourists not only with its ancient history and picturesque views from the cliff. People often come here for excellent shopping, as the prices for goods in the state are much lower than in European boutiques. The central street stretching along the southern part of the Iberian Peninsula, where souvenir shops, cozy beer restaurants, and entertainment venues are located, is very popular with tourists. Main Street is called the main business and commercial artery of the city for a reason.
Here you can see the majestic Catholic and Protestant cathedrals, the restored royal chapel,the elegant governor's residence. A narrow busy street lined with colorful shop windows and historical monuments on both sides are a kind of local attractions of Gibr altar. You can explore the favorite corner of city dwellers on your own in a few hours.
Hospitable walled city
The densely populated peninsula, whose doors are always open to those who wish, attracts tourists from all over the world who come for a good rest in comfortable hotels and vivid impressions. There is plenty of entertainment for every taste and budget, so everyone who has been to Gibr altar dreams of their return to a quiet and cozy peninsula.
