Travel Blog |

The Barbary Apes of Gibraltar, Macaca Sylvanus, are actually tail-less
monkeys and are an unusual and delightful attraction for anyone visiting Gibraltar or the Costa del Sol.

No one is really sure how the only wild apes in Europe arrived in Gibraltar and legend has it that were they to leave The Rock then it would fall to the Spanish. The two most popular explanations as to the appearance of the apes of Gibraltar is either that they crossed via a subterranean tunnel from their native Morocco or British sailors introduced them having picked them up on their travels. Whatever the explanation they readily adapted to their new habitat and have lived, bred and been an integral part of Gibraltar for some centuries now.

During the second World War their numbers went into a decline and Sir Winston Churchiil, taking a personal interest in the Gibraltar Apes, arranged to have some more imported from Morocco.Since then their numbers have steadily increased and today, in addition to the pack readily seen around the Apes Den, there are five other packs living wild on the steep slopes of the Rock. The apes of Gibraltar that the visitor sees are very tame and quite cheeky, often climbing on unsuspecting tourists and onto the taxis that bring the tourists to the top of the rock to see them. Most of the taxi drivers know the individual apes and can often tell you quite a lot about them.

The tour of the rock can either be undertaken by taxi or you can take the cable car up and then enjoy a very pleasant walk taking in the wonderful views of the Mediterranean to one side and the Atlantic to the other. You will see lots of Gibraltar apes this way and can stop and enjoy their company and take plenty of photos.

The caves have been visited since Roman times but today’s visitor has the benefit of footlights and hand rails to assist them. It is still slippery underfoot though so be sure to wear good footware. The main Cathedral cave is an impressive site and during the Second World War was adapted to be used as a military hospital. However it was never required as such and today is put to a more peaceful use when concerts are held there. The acoustics are wonderful.

Thankfully, tourists don’t have to climb to the top of the Rock to meet the Apes and enjoy spectacular views of both Europe and Africa, as cable cars do all the hard work. From the top, tourists can also regale themselves with views of the six fabulous beaches that make up Gibraltar’s seven and a half mile long coastline, as well as watching the commercial flights to Gibraltar airport make their final descent past the Rock.

Read vital info in the sphere of Nurseries in Solihull - please go through this web site. The time has come when concise information is really at your fingertips, use this opportunity.

Share This