In 1969, Gibraltar was put firmly on the map by the secret wedding of John Lennon and Yoko Ono in Gibraltar Town Hall. Choosing Gibraltar because of its 24 hour turnaround for a Special Wedding Licence, celebrities can alight, get a licence, marry and be out of there before the press get a whiff of it.
The majestic Town Hall still stands there today in this fascinating mini city of contrasts.
At the foot of the Rock is a High Street so British you can often forget where you are. Gibraltar is authentically British from its tea shops to its unpredictable showers of summer rain. With British Home Stores and Marks and Spencer doing a brisk trade, only the narrow rambling streets and weather-beaten old men watching the world go by can give a hint that you are just nine miles from Africa.
The Rock itself can be seen for miles before you arrive and is riddled with secret tunnels built by the British during World War Two. Exhibitions and recreated scenes are contained within and a tour of Gibraltar’s impressive Military history is well worth your while.
Halfway up the Rock at Europa Point is the Magnificent White Mosque. With breathtaking views and its classic, cool white walls, it’s hard to imagine a place of worship with a better view than the Straits of Gibraltar and African ports glinting in the distance.
Further up the Rock are the famous Barbary Apes. These are the only wild apes allowed to roam freely anywhere in Europe. They are mischief makers, stealing food and chewing on car aerials. They won’t move out of your way either, you will have to move around them. Don’t be fooled by the hungry eyes and hopeful faces- they are fed fresh food every single day.
The magnificent St Michael’s Caves have seen a host of concerts with their unique setting and acoustics. Worth a stop on any tour, these are beautifully floodlit and have been attracting tourists in their hundreds.
The views are breathtaking from the top of the Rock. From Costa del Sol to the North African coast, with tiny white cruise ships crossing the expanse of blue sea, there are few places to match Gibraltar.
Take a taxi back down the vertiginous but safe roads, and have a cup of tea in the town square before checking out the magnificent Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in Cathedral Square. Gibraltar has it all.
References:
Getting married in Gibraltar http://www.gibnet.com/marriage/index.htm
What to Do in Gibraltar: http://www.gibraltar.gov.uk/main.php
