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Gibraltar, known locally as the Rock is considered one of the last vestiges of the British Empire, although a recent 2006 agreement between Spain and Britain unofficially ended that status, introducing a far more agreeable accord between the two countries.

Strategically perched on the edge of the Iberian Peninsula overlooking the narrow entrance to the Mediterranean Sea opposite North Africa, this natural fortress of rock was originally part of Spain but was ceded to the British in perpetuity during the early 18th Century. In fact, it recently celebrated its 300 year anniversary under British ‘rule’.

Over the centuries this piece of land measuring a minuscule 2.53 miles square has been subject to many a physical and verbal conflict. It has suffered no less than 14 sieges between 1309 and 1783, as well as numerous other conflicts in its long well-regaled history. But, it is the Rock standing 1,396 feet high that firmly dominates the skyline of this British Overseas Territory.

And it is upon the Rock that arguably one of Gibraltar’s biggest tourist attractions is to be found; the monkeys or more accurately the Barbary Apes, which cheekily molest tourists and occasionally brazenly rob them of anything that not secured! Depending upon whom you ask, the Rock’s Barbary Apes cunningly tunnelled their way into Europe under the Mediterranean via a 15 mile tunnel or rather more likely, were brought to Gibraltar by sailors who had visited nearby ports in Africa.

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.

But, despite the fantastic views and the historic Moorish Castle dating back to the 11th Century, to be found atop the Rock it is undoubtedly the apes that tempt many of the tourists to take the cable car ride.

Similar to the legend that suggests England will fall should the Ravens ever depart the Tower of London it is said that British Rule on Gibraltar will end with the demise of the Apes. Indeed, so seriously is this legend taken that Winston Churchill allegedly ensured that extra apes were brought from Africa to replenish their number when it fell as low as seven during World War II.

But, regardless of how the Apes got onto the Rock and for however long they will occupy it, as long as they do then tourists will inevitably flock to see them!

The Rock of Gibraltar is a place rich in history especially in the traces of human existence dating as far back as the age of the Neanderthal man. There has been a longstanding battle between Spain and the UK for sovereignty of the place, and a unanimous vote by the people of Gibraltar to remain under British rule rendered it still to be a British territory up to this day.

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