In the Upper Nature Reserve at the southern end of Gibraltar there is an amazing series of limestone caverns.

Known as St Michael's Cave. The main show cave, the Cathedral cave, consists of a series of chambers with connecting passages.

Of course it is damp and footing would be dangerous, so a series of walkways, handrails and steps have been built to make it safe for the large number of visitors. Cleverly placed lights illuminate the cavern walls, highlighting stalactites and stalagmites, some huge and meeting to form columns.

Laser light shows, concerts and events are often held in the Cathedral cave.

There are a number of lower caves not accessible by the public. Some were discovered in 1942 when a new entrance was being blasted. These include a series of chambers and underground lake.

The caves in Gibraltar are thought to be one of the last refuges of Neanderthal man. Evidence of tools dated to 31,000 years ago have been found in Gorham's and Vanguard Cave.
There is also evidence of more recent occupation by modern humans during the Upper Palaeolithic, Neolithic and also from the 8th to the 3rd Centuries BC by Phoenicians and Carthaginians.

The caves are beautiful and well worth visiting.

Cave myths and legend.

St Michael's cave is so called because it resembles similar grotto in Gargano De La Pulla, Italy, now used as the Sanctuary of Monte Sant'Angelo where St. Michael is said to have appeared.

The cave was said to be bottomless ...

Gibraltar was linked to Africa by a subterranean passage over 15 miles (24 Km) long under the Strait of Gibraltar.

Cave facts

The cave consists of an Upper Hall with 5 connecting passages and rocks between 40ft (12.2m) and 150ft (45.7m) to a smaller hall.
Beyond this, a series of narrow halls leads to a further succession of chambers, reaching depths of some 250ft (62.5m) below the entrance.

During World War II the cave was prepared as an emergency hospital, but was never used as such.