At the southernmost tip of Europe on the Iberian Peninsula, sits the magnificent Rock and colony of Gibraltar. We were here in 2000, and I thought I'd include the iconic photo of "The Rock", only visible when you enter from Spain (which we didn't on our cruise).
As you can imagine, its strategic location between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea is one that has been coveted by many. Named after a Moorish Chief, Gibraltar had its longest stretch as an Islamic port. After 700 years (+/-), the Spaniards drove out the Moors and turned the Rock into a naval port. But in the end, it was England that gained control over this busy seaport and used it as a base for the Allied Forces during WWII.
We walked briskly down Main St. The brisk part was the hard part. There are 113 shops on this little street but we made it past with very little 'distractions'. We did stop at the bank for pounds. It's strange to think, for several hours, we were in England. Wild. I loved the new and old post offices.
Our goal was to head to the Cable Car for the ride to the top of the Rock.
Famous for its residents, the Barbary Macaques, a tailless ape from Morocco. While absolutely adorable, they are also mischievous. We witnessed several causing trouble and being cagey thefts. We were warned.
The visual of the massive limestone "Rock" jutting out into the Strait of Gibraltar has mesmerized onlookers for centuries. The Greeks called it one of the Pillars of Hercules; the other pillar is on the African side of the Strait.
What is important to remember about this places is that is is one of the world's most important military strongholds. Evidence of that importance was evident everywhere.
We also strolled through the small and scenic Trafalgar Cemetery. What a beautiful oasis in the middle of town.
After a delightful explore, we returned to the City for Fish & Chips.
Drinks were had in Irish Town, a quaint side street away from the bustle of Main St.
We thoroughly enjoyed our return trip to Gibraltar. What an ecletic day of exploration, remembrances and unique opportunities this port had to offer. Each day is an adventure and we're loving it all.
We said adios to the southern most tip of Europe and headed north to continue our explore. So dang fun.
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3 comments:
Love your 2000 pic. How early in the morning was it? So deserted!!!
Well, first let me tell you that Gibraltar, and its rock, appears to offer much to enjoy! What a great port! It was penciled in for our Iberian vacation last year but didn't make the final cut. :)
Okay, now on to your lecture... Denise, you can't spread one sided history!! Muslims came to the Iberian Peninsula right at the time of the fall of the Roman Empire, so there was little competition for the land. They came because their royal family was murdered and they wanted a safe place to live. During the 700 years that they lived there they accepted all religions into their society (jews, christians, everyone). They created the largest libraries and the largest universities in the world, and studied advanced math, science and astrology. While the rest of Europe was in the Dark Ages Spain was the most civilized culture in the world (because of the muslims, not in spite of them). By the middle of the 1400s the current muslim rulers were weak and Christians (Isabella and Ferdinand to be precise) were able to take over. That is when the religious intolerance started. Non-christians were expelled or killed. Many believe that Columbus sailed the ocean blue because he was Jewish and escaping persecution. Anyway, long story short, Spanish culture is intertwined with muslim culture. There are over 4,000 Arabic words in Spanish, flamenco has muslim roots, algebra is a muslim invention... just to name a few things.
History is dependent on who writes it.
PS "The Ornament of the World" by Maria Rosa Menocal is a great book.
Pic of "Monkey Steve" is hilarious!!!
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