Excursion Ww ii landmarks tour at Gibraltar

This tour is based on the WW II history of Gibraltar and discovering the importance of its strategically unique situation. In 1940, Britain was at war with Germany and Italy and the future looked bleak for Gibraltar as the enemy surrounded it. Winston Churchill and the British military leaders believed that an attack on Gibraltar was imminent. The answer was to construct a massive network of tunnels, to build a fortress inside a fortress, a city within a city.

100 Ton Gun

Departing from the pier, drive past the Second World War Evacuation Monument and then follow the British Defense Wall, built during the 18th and 19th Century, in white Portland Limestone. King's Bastion will be seen, where General Elliott defended Gibraltar during the last Great Siege. The first stop is the 100 Ton Gun, a 17.72 inch 100 ton Rifled Muzzle Loader, the Supergun of the Victorian era. Only 4 guns of this type were built in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England. This stop includes an exhibition at Napier of Magdala Battery.

Pillars of Hercules

The tour then leads up the winding roads to the Gibraltar Nature Reserve, and past the Pillars of Hercules landmark. According to Greek mythology Gibraltar is one of the Pillars Hercules.

Barbary Apes

The next stop are the famous Barbary Apes, these Apes have had strong ties with the military and the well-known statement by Sir Winston Churchill that Gibraltar will remain British as long as the Apes are here.

WW II Tunnels

The final stop is Hays Level, the Second World War tunnels where thousands of military personnel lived and worked inside the Rock. Photographs documenting the work of the troops are on display here. Finally, the tour continues past the Tower of Homage, part of the Moorish Castle built in 1333 (2nd Moorish Conquest), the oldest free standing building in Gibraltar.

The tour will end at Casemates Square, where you may shop and relaxation on your own, or if you prefer to return to the port.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion may include: 100-Ton Gun, Magdala Battery, Iberia, Straits of Gibraltar, Africa, Barbary Apes, Casemates Square, Tower of Homage

Note

Please note: This tour involves moderate walking and is suitable for guests with limited mobility; however it is not wheelchair accessible. Total distance walked is approximately 1000m (.62 miles) at times over uneven surfaces and possibly wet in tunnels. We suggest guests wear seasonal clothing and flat, comfortable, walking shoes. The driver will act as guide. Minibuses are the best-available in the area, but may not be up to the standards of those found in other ports of call. There is no compartment to store foldable wheelchair or walkers.