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.

This castle is one of the most iconic landmarks in Gibraltar, dominated by its impressive Tower of Homage, which is clearly visible from almost everywhere. The castle is deeply connected to the origin of Gibraltar's name, which is a variation of Jebel Tarik (Tarik's Mountain). This was named for Tarik ibn Ziyad, the Berber commander who led the Moorish conquest from this very rock in 711 AD.

The castle has a long and layered history. It stands on the site of the very first Moorish fortification ever built on European soil, with some historians dating its origins to the 8th century. The fortress was significantly rebuilt into its present form in the early 14th century and became the main stronghold on the Rock. Its historical importance is immense; it was the launch point for the conquest of the Iberian Peninsula and boasts the largest keep and tallest tower of the Moorish era in the region.

The complex is much more than just a single tower. The Tower of Homage is surrounded by an Inner and Outer Keep, and below this lies the Qasbah with its famous and unique Gate House. Visitors can still see great lengths of the original Moorish walls, which provide excellent examples of the Islamic architecture of the period. Today, the Gibraltar Heritage Trust is faced with the important challenge of preserving these historic fortifications and restoring them for future generations to appreciate.

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.