Gibraltar is a legendary
place. The Ancients believed that it was created by Hercules. In
more reason times, its reputation was such that people said things
like “Singapore is the Gibraltar of the East” and “Brimstone
Hill (St. Kitts) is the Gibraltar of the Caribbean” when they
wanted to describe a place as an impregnable stronghold. Even today,
seeing that amazing rock projecting up from the sea is a mystical
experience.
Located at the southern tip
of Europe where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean, Gibraltar was
for centuries a strategic military location. Its military
significance has diminished in the 21st Century but its
location makes it a popular port of call for cruise ships,
particularly for ships sailing from the U.K. to the Mediterranean.
There are several things
that make Gibraltar an interesting port of call. First, it is a tiny
place. You can easy walk across the entire town. And all of the
tourist sites are a short taxi ride away.
Second, there is the
culture. Spain ceded Gibraltar to Great Britain in 1713 - - the
British had captured it in 1704 so the treaty only confirmed what had
already taken place. As a result, it resembles a small British city.
At the same time, there is a Spanish influence. So you might see a
typical English Bobby dressed as in London chatting with a passerby
in fluent Spanish.
Third, there is the
history. As already mentioned, Gibraltar was a key stronghold for
centuries and so played a significant role in many of the major
European conflicts.
And then there is that
rock. It is a natural wonder, impressive to look at and offering
impressive views, not only of Gibraltar but of Spain and Africa. In
addition, parts of it are now a nature reserve, home to Europe's only
bands of free-roaming monkeys. Furthermore, several of the historic
military installations on the Rock are now open to the public.
Beyondships' Gibraltar
profile page is at
http://www.beyondships3.com/cruise-destination-gibraltar.html
We also have posted two
going ashore experiences. The first talks about visiting Gibraltar's
famous Barbary Apes. http://www.beyondships3.com/gibraltar-apes.html
The second is about
visiting Gibraltar's World War 2 tunnels. Concern that the Nazis
would attempt to seize Gibraltar led the British to construct 30
miles of tunnels within the Rock. A portion of this incredible
engineering feat is now open to view.
http://www.beyondships3.com/gibraltar-world-war-2-tunnels.html
In addition to the items
about Gibraltar, we have added a new FAQ. This one discusses the
pros and cons of booking a shore excursion through the cruise line.
It is at http://www.beyondships2.com/faq-shore-excursions.html
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