It is a outlandish sight, seeing a minature England connected to mainland Spain. This peculiarity arose as a result of the War of Spanish Succession in 1704. Archduke Charles III from Austria, believed he should be the rightful heir to the throne of Spain and like a good episode of Games of Thrones, with its skullduggery and strategic alliances, his Anglo-Dutch mates joined together and took Gilbratar. The grand alliance failed in its objective of placing Charles on the throne, but in peace negotiations, Gibraltar was ceded to the United Kingdom in 1713 and here it has stayed as the last Bastille of colonialism ever since. In fact, in the Brexit referendum in 2016, 96% of the citizens of Gibraltar voted to exit the European Union and if eveything goes to plan they will get their wish in 100 days.
It is the Rock that people come to see, a sentinel that has dominated the skyline for centuries. Rising 412 metres above the sea, it provides stunninng panoramic views of the port and city skyline. It is also home to Europe's only colony of wild monkeys - the Barbary Macaques. The award goes to Gibraltar for the most feeble attempt to cash in on the Star War franchise anywhere, 'the Skywalk', is four panels of glass that jut out from the rock, of which you can walk along. One panel, obviously is not a Star Wars fan as it has already cracked from embarrassment.
The 13th century, intrepid Moors were first to see the strategic value of the Rock and the Moorish castle ruin still dominates the skyline today. The Rock is synonymous with sieges and a series of tunnels were gouged through the limestone in response to the Spanish and French siege that occurred between 1779 and 1783 . The mighty Rock also became a major strategic post for the allied forces during WWII and an addition 52 kilometres of tunnels were gouged. Finally, the Rock is also home to the magnificent St Michael's Cave complex that winds through the internal workings of the Rock.
Gibraltar is certainly steeped in history based upon conquest and strategic intentions. The question beckons, is it time that it gained its own identity?
The 13th century, intrepid Moors were first to see the strategic value of the Rock and the Moorish castle ruin still dominates the skyline today. The Rock is synonymous with sieges and a series of tunnels were gouged through the limestone in response to the Spanish and French siege that occurred between 1779 and 1783 . The mighty Rock also became a major strategic post for the allied forces during WWII and an addition 52 kilometres of tunnels were gouged. Finally, the Rock is also home to the magnificent St Michael's Cave complex that winds through the internal workings of the Rock.
Gibraltar is certainly steeped in history based upon conquest and strategic intentions. The question beckons, is it time that it gained its own identity?
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