Upper Rock Reserve

Upper Rock Gibraltar
Gibraltar

Best of IgoUgo

Upper Rock Reserve

October 26, 2006

by Kez from Broadbeach Waters

Who goes there?More Photos
For €26 for 2 persons and a car this gives you access to the major sights on the Upper Rock which was the highlight of our visit.

Initially started in 1783 the Great Siege Tunnel is a long, downward sloping tunnel that connects a series of caverns. In each of these caverns there is a very realistic reenactment of an historic event including a short history with life size models complete with voices that shouted out things such as “Stop, who goes there?” to add to the realism. At the entrance there are signs warning people with heart conditions or similar that the walk down is easy but the walk back up is quite strenuous but really most people would not have a problem as although the tunnel is quite long the slope is a very gradual incline.

City under Siege is another exhibition that concentrates on how the standard of living (or lack of it) would have been in days past. Again, using reenactments it shows punishment such as floggings and how difficult life was at times for the general population when they were cut off from the world and survived on grasses and tree roots and rudimentary medical facilities and supplies.

St Michael’s Cave is a huge cave that extends some 700 feet down into the earth and boasts some marvelous stalactites and rock formations. There is one enormous cavern that back in the 1940’s it was used as a military hospital. Nowadays it is also used for live music concerts.

The Apes Den is also up on the Upper Rock. The Monkeys are cheeky little things and they will soon be swinging off your car aerial and trying to snatch whatever food they can from you. One little guy was patriotically waving the English flag more than likely hoping for a free treat from the one of the onlookers. There are so many monkeys you will see them long before you arrive at the original Apes Den.

O'Hara's Battery and a Moorish Castle are also located on the Upper Rock but both unfortunately were closed when we visited.

Don't pass up the opportunity to visit.
From journal Day Trip to Gibraltar