Discovering the Mystery of St Michael’s Cave: A Journey to Gibraltar’s Subterranean World

Exploring the vastness of Gibraltar’s iconic Rock entails not only visiting its top attractions, but also venturing into the lesser-known corners of its underground world. And among the dazzling stalactites and mysterious chambers of the caves, St Michael’s Cave reigns supreme as a true natural wonder. However, its fascinating history and myths also add an intriguing layer to this subterranean site. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the story of St Michael’s Cave, from its supposed bottomless depths to the legends about its connection to Africa and the macaques. So grab your flashlight and let’s embark on a journey to the unknown depths of Gibraltar!

St Michael’s Cave is located midway up the Rock of Gibraltar, and it’s easy to see why it has been a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The awe-inspiring cave is adorned with limestone formations that seem to form a natural cathedral of shimmering pillars and draperies. But what many might not know is that St Michael’s Cave was once believed to be bottomless, spreading rumors of an underground connection between Europe and Africa. The belief in a subterranean passage across the Strait of Gibraltar can be traced back to ancient geographers like Pomponius Mela. However, the supposed discovery of a hole leading to the core of the Earth turned out to be a mere illusion created by the cave’s resonance effect.

Despite the debunking of the bottomless cave myth, St Michael’s Cave continued to mesmerize visitors with its stunning beauty and enigmatic aura. And its allure might have also sparked the imagination of the legend about the macaques’ arrival to Gibraltar. According to the tale, the macaques, also called Barbary apes, were deviously brought to Gibraltar by the Moors, who released them from the cave to scout the area for invaders. However, the actual history of the macaques’ presence on the Rock is not so clear-cut. While some say that the animals arrived with the British troops in the 18th century or were native to the area, others claim that they indeed came through a subterranean passage before St Michael’s Cave was discovered.

One of the biggest revelations in the discovery of the Caves of Gibraltar was the prehistoric art found there. In 1974, a drawing of an ibex was discovered on the cave wall, dating back to the Solutrean period around 15-20 thousand years ago. This confirmed that prehistoric men had been aware of the caves and visited them regularly. But, the real shock came when two neanderthal skulls were found in the caves- evidence that our primitive ancestors could have been using the cave system as early as 40,000 BC. This staggering discovery opened up a whole new world of possibility and challenged the traditional narrative of early human history.

According to Greek mythology, the Rock of Gibraltar was one of the pillars of Hercules, and the cave system was believed to be the entrance to Hades, the land of the dead. A journey through the Caves of Gibraltar was a metaphorical journey to the underworld where the dead resided. Even today, some people believe that the cave system has an otherworldly quality to it, and that it's a passage to another realm. Whether you believe in such tales or not, there's no denying that the Caves of Gibraltar have an aura of mystery and enigma to them that's hard to shake off.

Visiting St Michael’s Cave today means embarking on a journey that combines natural wonders with cultural heritage, and mythical tales with scientific discoveries. The cave remains a symbol of Gibraltar’s unique character and a testament to the power of nature’s beauty. And while the subterranean passage to Africa might be a legend, the connection between Gibraltar and its underground world is far from myth. The caves around the Rock continue to reveal their secrets and attract curious explorers from all over the world.

St Michael’s Cave is not only a destination for cave enthusiasts but also an emblem of Gibraltar’s rich history and diverse culture. Its mystery and myths have added another layer to its beauty, making it a site worth exploring for both adventure seekers and cultural travelers. From the story of the subterranean passage to the macaques’ arrival, St Michael’s Cave has been a source of fascination and inspiration for generations. So if you’re planning your next trip to Gibraltar, don’t miss the chance to descend into the depths of this captivating cave and witness its awe-inspiring charm.

Discovering the Wonders of Common Dolphins - The Charming Swimmers of the Ocean

When most people think of dolphins, they might imagine the playful antics of performing animals at an amusement park or on TV. But have you ever taken the time to learn more about the fascinating creatures in the wild? Meet the Common dolphins, ocean swimmers known for their beauty, intelligence, and energetic displays.

Common dolphins are one of the most abundant marine mammals in the world and can be found in all the world's oceans. They are named for their commonality - "common" doesn't necessarily mean ordinary in this case. I was exploring Gibraltar when I came across a guide who said I had to check out these amazing creatures. Well as you all know I am always up for an adventure! Off we went on a 2 hour tour with Dolphins Adventure, http://www.dolphin.gi/, located at the Marina in Gibraltar. This trip did not disappoint. Our guide was informative for the entire 2 hour tour and a great spotter. Photographing these creatures was no easy task between a rocking boat and bullet fast dolphins. I did the feeling they enjoyed having their photo taken!

Appearance: Common dolphins have a distinctive look with a grayish-blue color on the upper sides and a light cream color on the belly running down to their throat. They have a sleek, streamlined shape that helps them swim up to 60 km/h (37 mph) through the water. They are generally a medium-sized species, with females growing between 1.7 - 2.6 m (5.6 - 8.5 ft) and males 1.9 - 2.8 m (6.2 - 9.2 ft), and they weigh between 100 - 150 kg (220 - 330 lbs).

Personality: Some might say that common dolphins are the life of the sea. They are incredibly social animals, often found in large pods of hundreds or even thousands of individuals. They are also known for their acrobatics, regularly leaping out of the water and doing flips - something that is always thrilling to see in person. These playful mammals are also a curious lot, often approaching boats to get a closer look at their human observers.

Diet and location: Common dolphins are opportunistic feeders, meaning they eat what they can find. They feed on a variety of fish and squid species, and even shrimp in shallow waters. Common dolphins are found in temperate and tropical waters around the world, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and even in the Mediterranean and Black seas.

Conservation: Thankfully, common dolphins are not currently classified as endangered, but this doesn't mean that they are immune to the various threats that come from humans, such as fishing nets, pollution, and collisions with boats. As part of our responsibility to protect our planet's biodiversity, it is vital that we work to keep these intelligent creatures thriving.

In summary, the common dolphins are a favorite among ocean lovers because of their agility, beauty, and friendly personalities. These inquisitive creatures remind us that our oceans are full of majestic creatures, and we should do our part to protect them. So if you happen to catch a glimpse of these magnificent swimmers during your ocean exploration, take a moment to appreciate their graceful beauty and playful nature.

Fun Facts:

• Scientists have uncovered an amazing trait in dolphins - they give themselves names! By developing individual whistles, these aquatic mammals can tell each other apart and recognize the "names" of their peers. Fascinatingly smart creatures, indeed!

• Dolphins are not just playful and intelligent; they also demonstrate a remarkable level of compassion. In the wild, these astounding animals have been observed forming pods to help their sick or injured members recover swiftly. It's amazing how selfless dolphins can be!

• Unique among mammals, dolphins must stay semi-alert in order to keep breathing: they don't risk the chance of deep sleep where their lungs might forget to draw breath. To ensure this never happens, Dolphins split up 8 hours of restful shut eye between both sides of its brain - four hours for right side and another equally leisurely 4hrs for the left hemisphere! This remarkable ability allows them essential recuperation without ever losing alertness and control over vital functions like ventilation.

• Just like each human has a unique fingerprint, dolphins have their own one-of-a-kind markings on the dorsal fin. These distinctive patterns of ridges, bumps and grooves can be used to identify individual marine mammals - even from far away!

A Visit to the Ancient City of Ronda, Spain

Have you ever wanted to explore a city that's full of history? Then the Spanish city of Ronda is the perfect place for you! Located in Malaga province, Ronda has been home to a variety of civilizations throughout its history, from the Phoenicians and Romans to today's modern society. It is known as one of the oldest cities in Spain and was even home to the first bullfighting ring. In this blog post, we’ll explore why this gorgeous town should be on your must-see list.

Romantic Architecture

Ronda is known for its picturesque architecture. The winding cobblestone streets are lined with buildings decorated with flower boxes and balconies which give the city an old-world charm. The most iconic buildings are found in La Ciudad (The City) where travelers can admire the 16th century Arab walls, The Church of Santa María Mayor, and Puente Nuevo (New Bridge). Also noteworthy is El Tajo Gorge -a deep ravine which divides La Ciudad from El Mercadillo (The Marketplace). This natural wonder gives visitors breathtaking views from one side of the city to another.

Bull Fighting & Cultural Traditions

With its long standing traditions and culture, it’s no surprise that bull fighting is a popular activity in Ronda. Every spring there is a large celebration centered around bull fighting which includes parades, music performances and other festivities. This event attracts thousands of tourists who come to watch or take part in this traditional Spanish tradition. If you’re looking for something more low key then head over to Plaza de Toros –the world’s oldest bullring–where you can marvel at its unique architecture or take part in its guided tours which offer insight into Spanish culture and traditions.

Unique Cuisine

Of course no trip would be complete without indulging in some local cuisine! If you read my blog posts you all know I am a foodie! You can find tapas bars serving up traditional dishes like patatas bravas (fried potatoes with spicy tomato sauce) and pimientos de Padrón (fried peppers), to gourmet restaurants offering modern takes on classic recipes –Ronda has something for everyone’s taste buds! Don’t forget about the local wineries either –they produce some delicious varieties! There is nothing like Jamón Ibérico (Iberian Ham), cheese and a glass of vino rosado on a sunny warm day!

Whether you're looking for culture, history or just an unforgettable experience –Ronda has something for everyone! With its winding cobblestone streets lined with beautiful architecture, unique culinary offerings and rich cultural traditions –it’s easy to see why this gorgeous Spanish city should be put at the top of your travel list! So grab your suitcase and get ready for an adventure unlike any other at Ronda!