The Rock of Gibraltar is a massive limestone monolith and an iconic landmark located at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula. It’s a British Overseas Territory that guards the narrow strait where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea. In ancient times, this colossal rock was famously known as one of the two Pillars of Hercules, marking the very edge of the known world.

To the ancient Greeks, Gibraltar was known as Mons Calpe. Along with its counterpart in North Africa, it represented the absolute limit of civilization. It was believed that to sail beyond the Pillars of Hercules was to risk sailing over a bottomless waterfall at the edge of the world. This explains the many ancient offerings that have been found in shoreline caves, left by Phoenician and Carthaginian sailors praying for a safe journey.

Throughout history, the Strait of Gibraltar has been a vital strategic chokepoint, with countless battles fought to control the sea lanes into the Mediterranean. That importance continues today. Intrinsically linked with the sea, Gibraltar remains one of the busiest and most important ports of call in the world.

Standing guard outside The Convent, the official residence of the Governor of Gibraltar, you can often see soldiers in their distinctive red tunics and the historic brass cannons. The building itself has a fascinating history. It wasn't always the seat of government; it began its life as a Franciscan friary, originally built in 1531.

The friars continued to live here until 1728, when they were evicted by the new British rulers—twenty-four years after the conquest of Gibraltar. From that time on, it has served as the Governor's official residence. Because of extensive repairs made over the centuries following various military bombardments, the building you see today has more of a British Georgian and Victorian look to it than its original 16th-century Spanish design.

Gibraltar is famous for being home to Europe's only wild monkeys. You'll have the rare opportunity to see these semi-wild primates up close at the Apes' Den (Queen's Gate) and in the area around the Great Siege Tunnels. Despite being known as the "Barbary Apes," they are actually a species of tailless monkey called Barbary Macaques, whose native habitat is in Morocco and Algeria.

There are several troops of macaques on the Rock of Gibraltar. The largest troop usually resides in the Great Siege area, but a smaller, more accessible group of them can be observed closely at the Apes' Den. If you watch them quietly from a respectful distance, these captivating animals will reward you with a fascinating glimpse into their everyday lives and complex social behavior.

The view from the top of the Rock of Gibraltar. Looking down, you can see the entire town spread out below, with its bustling harbor, the famous airport runway, and the coast of Spain in the distance. It's a very nice panorama.