|
|
***
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Europa |
| Link Sponsorizzati |
| Gibilterra |
|
| Thanks to
http://www.facebook.com/Costasur
Guia de viajes - http://www.costasur.com/ |
| Welcome To The Rock of Gibraltar! Gibraltar is a huge rock found to the south of Spain. The region belongs to the United Kingdom. On one side there is the Bay of Algeciras, and on the other the Mediterranean Sea. Gibraltar borders the town of La Linea de la Concepción, part of the county of Cádiz. The Rock of Gibraltar - the most famous rock in the world. Gibraltar is situated at the southern end of Europe with a land frontier to Spain on its northern front. It sits at the joining of the Atlantic Ocean with the Mediterranean Sea. |
|
| The stretch of water that separates
Gibraltar from north Africa is called the Strait of Gibraltar and throughout
history has played a strategic part in battles fought and won to control the
western Mediterranean seaways. In ancient times Gibraltar was one of the Pillars of Hercules. It was known to the Greeks as Mons Calpe, the other pillar being Mons Abyla on the Moroccan side of the Strait. Gibraltar marked the limit to the known world. |
| To pass beyond it was to sail to certain destruction over the bottomless
waterfall at the edge of the world. Thus the many findings of offerings made to the Gods by these and other civilisations such as the Phoenicians and Carthaginians in the many caves on the shorelines. Intrinsically linked with the sea, Gibraltar is one of the busiest ports of call in the Mediterranean. ____________Gibraltar Apes See the apes in Gibraltar. World famous, and perhaps Gibraltar's most important tourist attraction. The Barbary Apes, Macaca Sylvanus, are actually tail-less monkeys and they are the only free-roaming monkeys in Europe. Natives of North Africa, their presence in Gibraltar probably dates from the early days of the British garrison when it is presumed that they were imported as pets or even game, inevitably finding the rough limestone cliffs and scrub vegetation a congenial habitat. In fact, many legends have grown up around them. One is that they travelled from their native Morocco via a subterranean tunnel starting at St Michael's Cave leading down underneath the strait. The fact is that the apes are firmly established on the Rock. Another legend claims that should the apes ever disappear, the British will leave Gibraltar. During the last war, natural causes diminished the ape numbers alarmingly, and they were in danger of extinction on the Rock. Fortunately, Sir Winston Churchill took a personal interest and additional animals were imported from Morocco. Today, in addition to the pack resident at Apes Den, there are five other packs living wild on the steep slopes of the Rock. The welfare of the Barbary Apes is now in the hands of the Gibraltar Ornithological and Natural History Society and the R.S.P.C.A. ________Gibraltar Buses, UK, United Kingdom Bus information in Gibraltar. Gibraltar’s new bus service began on Saturday 10th April, 2004. The service is provided by the Gibraltar Bus Company Limited, (a wholly Government owned company), which has purchased the licences and vehicles of Rock City Services Limited. To attract greater usage of the new bus service, route frequencies have been greatly increased and buses will keep as much as possible to the published routes, times and frequency. For the first time Gibraltar will have a bus service that can be used by the disabled, parents with prams and shoppers alike. These buses provide a service for Route No.3, Route No.4 and Route No.9. A smaller version of these buses is used for the Upper Town area, Route No.2. Offers in Gibraltar. Register your business in Gibraltar Gibraltar » Bus to Gibraltar, Uk, Great Britain Would you like your business to appear here? The Old Buses The Outgoing Buses The old Gibraltar Buses have provided a service for many years, but were now obsolete as they could not keep up with current demands. The unreliability of these machines also contributed negatively to the general environmental ethos of Gibraltar. ======== Good-bye old, Hello New! ======== Other Buses Bus Route No.10 Bus Route No.10, is run by another private company, Calypso Transport. This company only provides transport from the frontier to the Superstore at Europort. It is distinguishable from the other service as it uses the familiar London red Double Decker buses for this route. ___________Bus Route No. 2 Gibraltar, UK, United Kingdom ROUTE 2 (GREEN ROUTE): WILLIS?S ROAD / UPPER TOWN ? REFERENDUM HOUSE TERMINUS ? WILLIS?S ROAD / UPPER TOWN. INBOUND: - LINE WALL ROAD, American War Memorial ? LINE WALL ROAD, British War Memorial ? LINE WALL ROAD, Cathedral Square ? PRINCE EDWARD?S ROAD, Wilson?s Ramp ? CASTLE ROAD, Sacred Heart Church ? WILLIS?S ROAD, Arengo?s Palace ? MOORISH CASTLE OUTBOUND: - WILLIS?S ROAD ? Governor?s Street ? LINE WALL ROAD, Museum ? LINE WALL ROAD, College Lane ? LINE WALL ROAD, Fish Market Steps ? WINSTON CHURCHILL AVENUE, Notre Dame School ? REFERENDUM HOUSE TERMINUS Monday - Friday 0720?2100 (approximately every 20 minutes) Saturday 0900?2115 (approximately every 30 minutes) Sunday / Public Holidays Inbound 0900-2115 / Outbound 0930?2045 (approximately every hour) FARES: ADULT SINGLE £0.60 / ADULT RETURN £0.90 / ADULT DAY CARD £1.50 CHILD SINGLE £0.40 / CHILD RETURN £0.60 / CHILD DAY CARD £1.00 SENIOR CITIZENS SINGLE £0.30 / SENIOR CITIZENS RETURN £0.50 / SENIOR CITIZENS DAY CARD £0.80 THE ABOVE ROUTES 2, 3, 4 AND 9 ARE OPERATED BY: GIBRALTAR BUS COMPANY TEL: +350 20047622 FAX: +350 20047626 E-MAIL: info@gibraltarbuscompany.gi ______The Cable Car Gibraltar Information about the cable cars in Gibraltar. The Cable Car will carry 30 passengers to the Top of the Rock in 8 minutes. The original Gibraltar Cable Car opened in 1966, however the Cable Cars in place today were purchased in 1986 when the entire Cable Car complex underwent a refurbishment. Two new Cable Cars were installed each capable of carrying 30 passengers to the Top Station in approximately 8 minutes. An additional stop of 2 minutes at the Middle Station (Apes Den) makes the entire trip last some 10 minutes. The method of operation was also upgraded so that the control system is now entirely automated. Staff are in attendance in each cabin as well as in the control room and are able to override the automatic system when necessary. Direct communication is possible between the Cable Cars and the Control room. Loading details... The Cable Car 1 - 1 of 1 guia turistico de guia turistico de (677101022) [See more] Offers in Gibraltar. Register your business in Gibraltar Gibraltar » The Cable Car Would you like your business to appear here? The entire electrical and mechanical system is inspected annually both by the Gibraltar Government and independently by the Swiss experts and original builders of the Cable Car, Von Roll Ltd. The Top Station complex was also enlarged in 1986 to expand the cafeteria, add a bar and extend the number and size of the terraces. The Top Station facilities now include: ? Self-service cafeteria ? Souvenir shop ? Bar ? Bathrooms and Baby-changing facilities ? Viewing terraces ? Access to the Nature Reserve The old Cable Car cabin ... Opening Hours 09:30hrs to 17:45hrs Daily. It should be noted that the last Cable Car up is at 17:15hrs and the last Cable Car down is at 17:45hrs. Commencement of operations by Bland Cable Cars to the Top of the Rock. "At midday to-day (March 30th, 1966) His Excellency the Governor officially inaugurated the commencement of operations of Bland Cable Cars to the Top of the Rock." Sir George Gaggero, Chairman of Bland Aerial Ropeway Ltd, stressed in his speech that this event was only a preliminary inauguration held with the purpose of giving the company an opportunity of thanking all those who had in some way contributed to achieving the realisation of this project and also to give those connected with the tourist trade an idea of what the venture had to offer. ___________ The Shrine of Our Lady of Europe Gibraltar Come see the shrine of Our Lady of Europe and Patroness of Gibraltar during your holiday stay. Our Lady of Europe and Patroness of Gibraltar, is a wood carving approximately two feet high. This is a beautifully polychromed image which dates back to the end of the fifteenth or early sixteenth century. The capture of Gibraltar by the Spaniards from the Moors dates from 1462. Then subsequent to his conquest the Christians won the battle against Islam's last stronghold in Europe in the Kingdom of Granada, the Duke of Medina Sidonia the champion of the Crusade; returned to Gibraltar. In thanksgiving the people of Gibraltar converted the mosque at Europa Point into a Christian shrine in honour of the Mother of Christ, venerating her as Our Lady of Europe and placing the whole of Europe under her protection. A statue of Our Lady sitting on a simple chair and holding the Child was carved and placed in the Shrine. Loading details... Our Lady of Europe 1 - 1 of 1 guia oficial de guia oficial de (677101022) [See more] Offers in Gibraltar. Register your business in Gibraltar Gibraltar » Our Lady of Europe Would you like your business to appear here? The Shrine The Shrine Located at the southern end of The Rock, this shrine was originally a mosque and converted into a chapel by the Spaniards in 1462. The light that was kept burning in a tower above the chapel was the original Gibraltar lighthouse. Although the shrine was plundered and pillaged by the pirate Red Beard, its most valuable treasure - the 15th century statue of the Virgin and Child - is still venerated there to this day. The statue was transferred to the site of the original Shrine at Europa Point on the 7th October 1967. In the face of the present crisis brought about by the Spanish claim over the Sovereignty of the Rock, the people of Gibraltar, who wish only to remain British have regularly made pilgrimages to the Shrine to pray to Our Lady for Her intercession. To the joy of the people of the Rock, the New Constitution, stating that Gibraltar would never be handed over to Spain without an act of Parliament and the people's consent, was published on the Feast of Our Lady on 30th May 1969. Since then, Pope John Paul II has officially approved the title OUR LADY OF EUROPE and has authorised the transfer of the annual feast of OUR LADY OF EUROPE to EUROPE DAY, which is May 5th. Today the custodian of the Virgin and Child is the priest Mgr (Father) Charlie Azzopardi who is only too pleased to welcome new visitors to the Shrine and show them around. __________Things to See in Gibraltar Places to go sightseeing in Gibraltar: On the Rock of Gibraltar, the past is a living reality. There can be few places in the world which equal The Rock in terms of sheer physical presence. Gibraltar is also situated in a unique strategic location on the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar and linked to the Spanish mainland by a narrow isthmus. This serves both as a major thoroughfare from the border, and as the local airport runway. Despite its imposing appearance, visible from up to 100 kilometres away, Gibraltar is small, measuring less than six square kilometres in total. In it, a fascinating blend of cultures that have all left their mark throughout a rich and tumultous history, have made Gibraltar what it is today. Colourful ceremonial events like the Changing of the Guard and the Ceremony of the Keys re-enact what at one time was a common occurrence to guard the integrity of the fortress. In the Gibraltar Museum – strategically positioned over one of the finest fourteenth century Moorish bathhouses - you can find a series of fascinating exhibits from every period of the Rock’s extraordinary history. ________Moorish Castle Gibraltar The great square tower - The Moorish Castle. For over six centuries people approaching Gibraltar from the mainland have been impressed with the sight of a great square tower right up on the hillside. This ancient fortress last rebuilt in 1333 is situated on the north-western slope. Its Tower of Homage dominates the only land entrance to Gibraltar. The Moorish Castle, as it is commonly known, at one time dominated the surrounding area. The walls of the old castle enclosed a considerable area, reaching almost to the sea, where even today the Moorish Pier is still visible. Gibraltar - Gebel Tarik or Tarik’s Hill - owes its name to Tarik-ibn-Zeyad. Tarik was Musa-ibn-Nosseyers freedman and commander of the 12,000 Arab conquerors who landed at this district around the 27th April 711 (5 Rayab 92 ). This very able leader achieved the Arab conquest of the Iberian Peninsula, overrunning a large portion of it in two years - an invasion, which led to Arab domination of part of Europe for over seven centuries. His successors soon built the first fortifications somewhere near the site of the present tower. This was replaced about 1160 by a larger castle which gave greater protection to the town which had grown up nearby. _________Gibraltar Beaches, UK, United Kingdom Gibraltar is almost completely surrounded by water. Its beaches are different in characteristics depending on which side of the Rock you are in. Offers in Gibraltar. Register your business in Gibraltar Gibraltar » Things To See » Beaches Gibraltar, UK Would you like your business to appear here? Camp Bay and Little Bay Camp Bay looking towards ... Facing the Atlantic, both these bays have been fully developed as beach resorts and now include a series of interconnecting terraces providing easy access to the sea. At Camp Bay, (El Quarry), a small swimming pool has been set aside for the younger children, together with changing room facilities and a summer café. Catalan Bay A former fishing village and home of Genoese settlers on the Rock, this bay also sheltered Spaniards fleeing from the Napoleonic invasion of Spain. Today, it is a thriving beach resort! In the bars and restaurants behind the beach area, you can find a unique combination of British beers and dishes, alongside Spanish 'tapas' and 'raciones' to entice the most difficult of palates. Eastern Beach Sandy Bay ______St Michael's Cave Gibraltar, United Kingdom, Uk See the wonderful St. Michael's cave in Gibraltar. Located more than 300 metres above sea level, this is one of Europe's most dramatic natural grottoes. St Michael's Cave has interested visitors to Gibraltar ever since the days of the Romans. The Cave was long believed to be bottomless. This probably gave birth to the story that the Rock of Gibraltar was linked to the Continent of Africa by a subterranean passage over 15 miles (24km) long under the Straits of Gibraltar. The famous Rock Apes were said to have come to Gibraltar through this under-sea passage. The story also said that the passage emerges at Leonora's Cave which begins inside St. Michael's Cave itself. Offers in Gibraltar. Register your business in Gibraltar Gibraltar » St. Michaels Caves Gibraltar, UK Would you like your business to appear here? The Main Gallery The Main Gallery The Cathedral Cave is now open to visitors and makes a unique auditorium for concerts, ballet and drama. At some period during the history of this cave, part of a stalagmite became to heavy on one side and fell, possibly thousands of years ago. It now lies on its side at the far end of the main chamber, cemented through the years by nature to the floor of the cave. In 1792 a slice 18” thick (45cm) was cut off from the top end. What remained was a cross-section which revealed the interior structure of the stalagmite in a most dramatic way. Within a diameter of approximately 4’6” (1.35m) can be seen the history of its growth. During periods of excessive rain its growth is clearly indicated by light-brown rings and patches. the darker areas were formed during periods of less rain. But perhaps the two thin lines of crumbly white substance are the most interesting part of its structure. It is believed that these represent glacial periods. Besides the cross-section the stalagmite is also translucent in certain parts. This stalagmite which is centuries old enables visitors to see the unique beauty of crystallised nature. The Auditorium The Auditorium Over one hundred persons can sit in the auditorium of St Michael's Cave. According to experts in the field, the acoustics of St Michael's Cave are perfect and it enhances and blends all the tones into a uniform and faithful rendition of sound. ____________The City Under Siege Gibraltar Information about the Great Siege in Gibraltar. The Great Siege lasted for close to four years and the besieged suffered great trials and tribulations. Once again, the town was devastated with most of the houses in ruins and the street unpaved and almost impassible. Many towers and high buildings were pulled down and others destroyed by bombardment and fire. Also destroyed, for reasons of security, was the stone Landport Bridge. When, by 1782, the enemy forces had moved so close to the Rock that none of the existing batteries could fore down on them, the Governor General Elliott, offered a reward for suggestions as to how flanking fire might be brought to bear on the Northern face of the Rock. One idea was to mount guns on top of the projection in the rock face known as “The Notch”. The problem was how to move the guns up there! __________The Gibraltar Museum Museums in Gibraltar: The Gibraltar Museum is centrally located within the City of Gibraltar. The Gibraltar Museum was officially opened on the 23rd July, 1930 by the then Governor, Sir Alexander Godley. It is situated in the premises which were the house of the Principal Ordnance Officer and the main reason for the choice was the existence of well-preserved fourteenth century Moorish Baths in the basement of the building. The galleries cover a wide range of subjects, from the geological origins of the Rock in the Jurassic Period around 200 million years ago to the present day. At the start of the Museum visit you are introduced to the unique history of this Rock through a 15-minute film presentation entitled The Jurassic Rock. Once exiting the film room, the visitor meets rooms dedicated to the multitude of connections between Gibraltar and the sea, from prehistory and the classical periods to the Second World War. Among the highlights is a reconstructed Roman Anchor, part of the largest collection of such anchors in the world which is housed here. Offers in Gibraltar. Register your business in Gibraltar Gibraltar » Gibraltar Museum Would you like your business to appear here? Model of the Rock of ... The Moorish Baths come next and these are part of on-going archaeological work which is aimed at extending the perimeter of the baths and restoring them to their original form. Part of the scheme plans to use these unique rooms into an interpretation area of the Islamic history of Gibraltar. At a second level there is a large scale model of the Rock in 1865. It is an antique piece and photographs around it allow the visitor to compare the Rock of today with that of the nineteenth century. The photographs are part of a large collection and the visitor can see such spectacular episodes as the North African operations during the Second World War, the construction of the naval dockyards or indeed life in the nineteenth century. The Neanderthal Skull In this level there is also a room devoted to The Great Siege of Gibraltar (1779-83) and an art gallery in honour of Gibraltar’s most famous painter, Gustavo Bacarisas. Following from here there is a large room which has been converted into a cave in which can be seen some of the spectacular prehistoric discoveries which have made the Rock famous. They start with the famous skulls of the Neanderthals who occupied the Rock until 30 thousand years ago, and include an array of bones of animals which were once common on the Rock, such as elephants and hyenas. There is also a large selection of the tools which the Neanderthals manufactured and pottery, from the Neolithic to the Carthaginians who dominated the Strait between the 4th and 2nd centuries BC. Among the highlights is a unique collection of seventh century (BC) Phoenician scarabs from the coastal sanctuary at Gorham’s Cave and which is one of the best collections in the Iberian Peninsula. At a third level there are displays on Gibraltar’s unique Natural History, from the spectacular bird migrations to the marine life which abounds around its shores. There is much to see in the museum and an entire morning or afternoon can be spent browsing through the exhibits. The visitor can relax in the peaceful gardens of the museum where he can enjoy a coffee or refreshment or perhaps a local dish from the restaurant’s cuisine, thereby permitting more time for what will be a memorable visit. _________Guns of Gibraltar Visit the guns of Gibraltar: BELOW ARE SOME PICTURES OF THE GUNS THAT CAN BE SEEN IN GIBRALTAR. Guns (Ordnance) that can be seen throughout Gibraltar. Gibraltar's had very important guns that have formed part of its history. Finding out the story behind each of these guns is a history lesson in itself. In Gibraltar there were a total of 14 x 9.2” guns.(see picture on the right) The 9.2” BL (breech loading) coast defence gun became the standard armament for long range defence, alongside the 6” quick-firing gun for closer defence and the 12 pounder for inshore work. These three gun were to become the backbone of British coastal defences at Mediterranean stations up until World War II. See also the 100 Ton Gun Offers in Gibraltar. Register your business in Gibraltar Gibraltar » Guns of Gibraltar Would you like your business to appear here? ....but, by far, the most important gun Gibraltar has, is the 100 Ton Gun that is found at the Napier of Magdala Battery. ___________ Trafalgar Cemetery and Nelson Gibraltar See the Trafalgar Cemetery during your holiday in Gibraltar. “England expects that every man will do his duty.” With these words, Horatio Nelson amused his men as the opposing fleets closed in. Nelson, the son of a rector, was born at the parsonage of Burnham Thorpe in Norfolk. He went to sea as a boy, soon deciding that he would become a hero. So rapid was his promotion that he was a post captain by the age of twenty. From 1793 onwards he was fighting the French and Spanish in the Mediterranean. For his outstanding tactics at the Battle of Cape St Vincent, 1797, under Admiral Jervis, he was acclaimed a hero by his countrymen. A wound made him blind in one eye, and the following year he lost his right arm in a daring attack on Santa Cruz de Tenerife in the Canary Isles. By this time he was a rear-admiral. He chased the French all over the Mediterranean before completely defeating them at the Battle of the Nile in 1789. Vice Admiral Lord Viscount Nelson, Commander-in-Chief of His Majesty's ships in the Mediterranean, was killed in action during the glorious Battle of Trafalgar on 21st October 1805. Offers in Gibraltar. Register your business in Gibraltar Gibraltar » Trafalgar Cemetery Would you like your business to appear here? The Trafalgar Cemetery This Cemetery was consecrated in June 1798, seven years before the battle of Trafalgar. It was then known as the Southport Ditch Cemetery, and was sometimes regarded as a part of the old St. Jago?s Cemetery, which was situated at the other side of Charles V Wall. The association with the battle of Trafalgar does not seem to have been made until many years after the event. Southport Ditch, outside Southport Gate, formed part of the town defences at least as far back as Spanish times: it appears in the 1627 map of Gibraltar by Luis Bravo in the British Museum, as a ?Fosso? just south of ?Puerta de Africa? (Southport Gate). The western half of the ditch, which had been used as a market garden in the nineteenth century, was filled in when Referendum arch was opened in 1967. The cemetery was used for burials between 1798 and 1814, and thereafter fell into disuse, although there is one isolated tomb from 1838 near the far north-east corner (no.60 in the plan on the south wall). Earlier gravestones from St.Jago?s cemetery were set into the eastern wall in 1932, and there are also a few free-standing stones, some of which date back to the 1780s, which have been transferred over the years from the Alameda Gardens. Although the name of the cemetery commemorates the Battle of Trafalgar, only two of those who are buried here actually died of wounds suffered in the battle (Lieut. William Forster of the Royal Marine Corps of H.M.S. Mars and Lieut.Thomas Norman of H.M.S. Columbus-grave numbers 121 and 101). Most of those who died at Trafalgar were buried at sea, and Lord Nelson?s body was transported to London for a state funeral. Wounded seamen were brought to Gibraltar, and those who died later of their wounds were buried just to the north of Charles V Wall, on the opposite side of Trafalgar Cemetery, a small plaque was recently placed there to commemorate the site. Many of the tombstones (see pictures) in the cemetery commemorate the dead of three terrible yellow fever epidemics in 1804, 1813 and 1814. Also buried here are victims of other sea battles of the Napoleonic Wars-the Battle of Algeciras (1801) and actions off Cadiz (1810) and Malaga (1812). ___________ Business in Gibraltar Information about Gibraltar and the European community, business, etc. BACKDROP - GIBRALTAR AND THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY Gibraltar entered the European Community, (EC) at the time of the accession of the United Kingdom. It is among the European territories for whose external relations a Member State is responsible under Article 227(4) of the EC Treaty. Article 28 of the Act concerning the Conditions of Accession and the Adjustments to the Treaties (which concerns the accession of the UK. Denmark and Ireland) provides that there shall be certain exceptions from Community measures with respect to Gibraltar (the CAP, VAT and CCT do not apply). Subject to these explicit exceptions, all legislation adopted by the Community since 1973 has been applicable to Gibraltar. All the Treaty provisions on the free movement of capital, services and persons apply fully to Gibraltar. The fourth ‘freedom’ on movement of goods is restricted by Gibraltar’s position outside the Customs Territory, although in effect this is largely mitigated by the application of the Generalised System of Preferences to Gibraltar. Under the 1969 Gibraltar Constitution Order, Her Majesty’s Government has responsibility for Gibraltar’s defence, internal security and external affairs whilst the Gibraltar Government has, both by definition and convention, responsibility for all domestic, including fiscal, matters. Because of this constitutional relationship with the United Kingdom, the application of Community Law in Gibraltar is legislated by Gibraltar’s House of Assembly. This effectively enables the Gibraltar Government to comply with the guidelines or requirements laid down by EC directives within a framework that can be adopted to promote or enhance Gibraltar’s competitiveness. No other territory, city or town within the Community is able to structure and regulate its own Community status in such a way. Because of its size - indeed its geographical access inside the physical boundaries of Southern Europe - Gibraltar offers a unique base from which to service individuals or companies seeking to tap or widen their financial, commercial or trading interests and activities in the expanding European markets. The necessary infrastructure is already in place. Communications have been upgraded to the highest international standards. Space is no longer a constraint, with a large scale reclamation programme that has now attracted substantial private investment for the construction of sufficient offices and warehousing facilities. There is a strong and growing professional body of UK qualified lawyers and accountants as well as a wide and reputable banking presence, operating under UK based laws. Gibraltar’s currency is based at a par with sterling. The Gibraltar Government itself has introduced enabling legislation to allow for a swift and flexible response to the changing demands which emerge in today’s highly competitive economic environment. Tax legislation, for example, has been amended to provide for qualifying companies engaged in international business to pay tax ranging from a minimum of 2% to a maximum of 17%. Banking and insurance legislation has also been introduced on UK lines, with supervision by a new independent regulatory Financial Services Commission. In effect, the Gibraltar authorities can issue banking licences which are Community wide. Any change in the arrangements for Gibraltar’s terms of membership would require an amendment to the Treaty of Accession of the United Kingdom, which would in turn require the agreement of all other Member States. No such change is envisaged. Offers in Gibraltar. Register your business in Gibraltar Gibraltar » Business Would you like your business to appear here? BACKDROP - GIBRALTAR AND THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY EU Logo Gibraltar entered the European Community, (EC) at the time of the accession of the United Kingdom. It is among the European territories for whose external relations a Member State is responsible under Article 227(4) of the EC Treaty. Article 28 of the Act concerning the Conditions of Accession and the Adjustments to the Treaties (which concerns the accession of the UK. Denmark and Ireland) provides that there shall be certain exceptions from Community measures with respect to Gibraltar (the CAP, VAT and CCT do not apply). Subject to these explicit exceptions, all legislation adopted by the Community since 1973 has been applicable to Gibraltar. All the Treaty provisions on the free movement of capital, services and persons apply fully to Gibraltar. The fourth ‘freedom’ on movement of goods is restricted by Gibraltar’s position outside the Customs Territory, although in effect this is largely mitigated by the application of the Generalised System of Preferences to Gibraltar. Under the 1969 Gibraltar Constitution Order, Her Majesty’s Government has responsibility for Gibraltar’s defence, internal security and external affairs whilst the Gibraltar Government has, both by definition and convention, responsibility for all domestic, including fiscal, matters. Because of this constitutional relationship with the United Kingdom, the application of Community Law in Gibraltar is legislated by Gibraltar’s House of Assembly. This effectively enables the Gibraltar Government to comply with the guidelines or requirements laid down by EC directives within a framework that can be adopted to promote or enhance Gibraltar’s competitiveness. No other territory, city or town within the Community is able to structure and regulate its own Community status in such a way. Because of its size - indeed its geographical access inside the physical boundaries of Southern Europe - Gibraltar offers a unique base from which to service individuals or companies seeking to tap or widen their financial, commercial or trading interests and activities in the expanding European markets. The necessary infrastructure is already in place. Communications have been upgraded to the highest international standards. Space is no longer a constraint, with a large scale reclamation programme that has now attracted substantial private investment for the construction of sufficient offices and warehousing facilities. There is a strong and growing professional body of UK qualified lawyers and accountants as well as a wide and reputable banking presence, operating under UK based laws. Gibraltar’s currency is based at a par with sterling. The Gibraltar Government itself has introduced enabling legislation to allow for a swift and flexible response to the changing demands which emerge in today’s highly competitive economic environment. Tax legislation, for example, has been amended to provide for qualifying companies engaged in international business to pay tax ranging from a minimum of 2% to a maximum of 17%. Banking and insurance legislation has also been introduced on UK lines, with supervision by a new independent regulatory Financial Services Commission. In effect, the Gibraltar authorities can issue banking licences which are Community wide. Any change in the arrangements for Gibraltar’s terms of membership would require an amendment to the Treaty of Accession of the United Kingdom, which would in turn require the agreement of all other Member States. No such change is envisaged. |
| Gibilterra, la Rocca piú famosa al mondo Gibilterra é uno sperone roccioso che troviamo nel sud della Spagna, anche se appartiene all' Inghilterra. Da una parte la baia di Algeciras, dall'altra il Mediterraneo ed in mezzo Gibilterra. L'altra localitá con cui confina é La Linea de la Concepción. Il "Peñon" di Gibilterra, probabilmente la rocca piú famosa al mondo. Gibilterra é situata al sud d' Europa, con la Spagna come frontiera nord, mentre al sud, lo Stretto di Gibilterra separa il Mediterraneo dall' Atlantico: é subito evidente la grande importanza strategica che la Rocca di Gibilterra ha avuto nel corso dei secoli, essendo il crocevia tra l' Europa e l' Africa. Chiamata Monte Calpe dai Greci, Gibilterra á uno dei pilastri della famose Colonne d' Ercole ed il suo correspondente africano é il Monte Abyla. Gibilterra ha segnato per tanti secoli il limite del mondo conosciuto, l'ultima frontiera. Oltrepassare Gibilterra voleva dire dirigersi alla fine del mondo, raggiungere la cascata senza fine, il precipizio senza fondo. Oggigiorno Gibilterra é uno dei principali porti del mediterraneo. ________Bienvenidos al Peñón de Gibraltar Gibraltar es un Peñón que encontramos al sur de España, si bien pertenece al Reino Unido. A un lado da a la Bahía de Algeciras, al otro al Mar Mediterráneo. Linda con la localidad gaditana de La Línea de la Concepción. El Peñon de Gibraltar - el peñon mas famoso del mundo. Gibraltar esta situado al sur de Europa haciendo frontera con España en su frente norte. Por el Sur, el Estrecho de Gibraltar, una encrucijada de caminos que agrupa el norte de África al sur del peñón, el Mar Mediteráneo al Este y el Océano Atlántico al Oeste. Sin duda, esto, a lo largo de los siglos, ha sido tomado como un punto estratégico muy importante. Gibraltar, además, es uno de los pilares de las torres de Hércules. Se ha sabido que los Griegos lo llamaban Monte Calpe, mientras que el otro pilar sería el Monte Abyla, en el Norte de Marruecos. Gibraltar marcó un día el límite del mundo conocido. Pasar los límites de Gibraltar era sinónimo de ir hacia el fin del mundo, hacia la cascada que te hacía caer a un precipicio sin final, así lo reflejan las pintadas y el legado dejado por las civilizaciones que por aquí estuvieron, como los fenicios, los cartagineses... Gibraltar es uno de los principales puertos de avituallamiento en el Mediterráneo. ____________Los Monos de Gibraltar Vea los monos de Gibraltar Mundialmente famosos, y quizas la atraccion turistica mas importante de Gibraltar. El Macaca Sylvanus, (Barbary Apes) de echo son monos sin cola y son los unicos monos en europa que vagan libremente en el entorno. Nativos del Norte de Africa, su presencia en Gibraltar probablemente data a los primeros dias de la fortaleza Britanica, cuando, se concluye, que eran importado como mascotas o incluso piezas de caza. Transcurrido un tiempo, inevitablemente estos mamiferos encontraron que la roca y la flora de la region era un entorno muy compatible. De hecho, son muchas las leyendas que haban sobre los monos de Gibraltar, una dice que los monos llegaron a través de un túnel subterráneo que cruza el Estrecho de Gibraltar. La realidad es que las familias de primates están muy asentadas en Gibraltar. Otra de esas leyendas dice que el día que desaparezcan los monos, los británicos desaparecerán de Gibraltar. Durante la última guerra, por causas naturales la población de primates en la Roca descendió alarmántemente, y se les catalogó como especie en peligro de extinción. Afortunadamente, Wiston Churchill se tomó esto en serio e importó algunos animales desde Marruecos, para ayudar a incrementar la natalidad de estos animales. El bienestar de estos simios están ahora en las manos de los ornitólogos de Gibraltar, la Sociedad de Historia natural y el R.S.P.C.A. _______ El teleférico Gibraltar Información sobre el telesferico en Gibraltar El teleférico puede transportar a 30 personas hasta la cima del Peñón en 8 minutos. el teleférico original fue abierto en 1966, sin embargo los Teleféricos que existen hoy fueron comprados en 1986 cuando el complejo de Teleférico entero sufrió una restauración. Dos nuevos teleféricos fueron instalados, cada unos de ellos con una capacidad para el transporte de 30 personas en 8 minutos. El sistema que usa el teleférico es totalmente automático, y el personal le atiende en cada cabina. Hay un sistema de comunicación directa entre el teleférico y la oficina de control. Cargando datos ... El teleférico 1 - 1 de 1 guia turistico de guia turistico de Se ofrece guia oficial para realizar visitas a Gibraltar mínimo 2 personas. Consultar precios. [Ver más] Ofertas en Gibraltar. Da de alta tu negocio en Gibraltar Gibraltar » El teleférico ¿Quieres que tu negocio aparezca aquí? El sistema electrónico de funcionamiento es inspeccionado anualmente por el Gobierno de Gibraltar. La estación fue reformada en 1986 y ahora cuenta con cafetería con autoservicio, una tienda de souvenirs, un bar, servicios diversos así como espectaculares terrazas. Horario de atención: diariamente desde las 9.30 hasta las 17.45. El último teleférico que sube lo hace la las 17.15 y el que baja desde la cima del Peñón lo hace a las 17.45 horas. Comienzo de operaciones por Teleféricos a la Cima de la Roca. " En el mediodía hoy (el 30 de marzo de 1966) Su Excelencia el Gobernador oficialmente inauguró el comienzo de las operaciones de Teleféricos Suaves a la Cima de la Roca. " El señor George Gaggero, persona responsable de Bland Aerial Ropeway Ltd, explicó en su discurso que este evento fue tan sólo una inauguración preliminar con el objetivo de dar la empresa una oportunidad de agradecer a todos aquellos que habían de algún modo contribuido a esta situación, alcanzando la realización de este proyecto destacando también la importancia que tendría para el desarrollo turístico del Peñón. _________ El Lugar santo de Nuestra Señora de Europa Gibraltar Ven a visitar la hermita de Nuestra Señora de europa, patrona de Gibraltar en tus vacaciones Nuestra Señora de Europa y patrona de Gibraltar, tiene una talla en madera de aproximadamente dos pies de alto. Es una maravillora talla policromada que data de entre los siglos XV y XVI. La reconquista de Gibraltar por parte de los españoles tuvo lugar en 1462. La reconquista de la península por parte de los españoles continuó en Granada, el Duque de Medina Sidonia ganó la cruzada y retornó a Gibraltar. En agradecimiento a estos hechos, los ciudadanos del Peñón convirtieron la mezquita en una iglesia cristiana en honor a la Virgen María, venerándola y dándole un lugar. La estátua está en una simple silla en este lugar santo. Cargando datos ... Nuestra señora de Europa 1 - 1 de 1 guia oficial de guia oficial de Se ofrece guia turístico para visitas de 1 y 2 días a Gibraltar, minimo 2 personas. consultar precio [Ver más] Ofertas en Gibraltar. Da de alta tu negocio en Gibraltar Gibraltar » Nuestra señora de Europa ¿Quieres que tu negocio aparezca aquí? Lugar Santo Localizado al sur del Peñón, este lugar santo fue originariamente una mezquita y convertido en una capilla por los spañoles en 1462. La luz que se mantenía en la torre sobre la capilla fue el Faro de Gibraltar original. Aunque el lugar santo fuera saqueado una y otra vez por los piratas, su tesoro más valioso - la estatua de siglo XV de la Virgen y Niño - todavía se encuentra allí hasta el día de hoy. La estatua fue traspasada desde ese sitio hasta su ubicación del presente, el lugar santo de Punta Europa, el 7 de octubre de 1967. Actualmente, existe una pequeña crisis por la petición del Gobierno español de la soberanía de Gibraltar al Gobierno británico, en este sentido, hay que reseñar que los gibraltareños solo quieren permanecer siendo británicos y han hecho peregrinaciones por el Lugar santo para rezar a Nuestra Señora para Su intercesión. A la alegría de la gente de la Roca, la Nueva Constitución, declarando que Gibraltar nunca sería entregado a España sin un acto en el Parlamento que refleje el consentimiento de la sociedad gibraltareña, una cuestión que fue publicada el 30 de mayo de 1969. Desde entonces, el para Juan Carlos II otorgó el título de Nuestra Señora de Europa al santo lugar, celebrándose este hecho cada 5 de mayo. Hoy en día la custodia de la Virgen y el niño la tiene el Padre Azzopardi quien da la bienvenida a nuevos visitantes al Lugar santo y es el encargado de mostrar los alrededores. ___________Cosas que ver en Gibraltar Lugares puristicos en Gibraltar En el Peñón de Gibraltar. El pasado es una viva realidad. Sólo puede haber algunos sitios en el mundo similares a Gibraltar, Gibraltar está situado de forma estratégica en una localización única, al sur de la península ibérica. Está en primera línea del Estrecho de Gibraltar, y enlaza con la península por un istmo en el que se asienta la localidad gaditana de La Línea de la Concepción, así como su aeropuerto. El Peñón de Gibraltar puede ser visible desde 100 kilómetros de distancia, es pequeño, ya que Gibraltar tiene tan sólo unos seis kilómetros cuadrados, pero en ese espacio hay una increible mezcla de culturas, de tradiciones, de gentes, que han dado a Gibraltar una gran riqueza e importancia, hasta el día de hoy. En el Museo de Gibraltar, estratégicamente se colocó más de un baño moro en el siglo XIV. En este emplazamiento se puede encontrar una serie de fascinantes objetos que están datados a partir de cada período de la historia extraordinaria de la Roca. La Comisión de Servicios Financieros (FSC) es designado por el Reino Unido, el Gobierno del peñón. ________Cueva de San Michael Gibraltar Visite la maravillosa cueva de San Michel en Gibraltar Localizada a más de 300 metros sobre el nivel del mar, esta es una de las grutas naturales más espectaculares de Europa. La Cueva de s. Michael ha interesado a visitantes Gibraltar desde los días de los Romanos. La Cueva, tal y como se creía, no tenía fondo. Esto probablemente dio a luz a la historia que el Peñón de Gibraltar estuvo unido al Continente de África por un paso subterráneo más de 15 millas (24km) mucho tiempo bajo el Estrecho de Gibraltar. Por otro lado, los Monos de Roca famosos en Gibraltar habrían venido por este paso submarino. La historia también dice que el paso surge en la Cueva de Leonora. Ofertas en Gibraltar. Da de alta tu negocio en Gibraltar Gibraltar » Cueva de San Michael o Cueva de San Miguel ¿Quieres que tu negocio aparezca aquí? Galería principal La cueva de la Catedral está ahora abierta a los visitantes, y su única sala se dedica a los conciertos, bailes y teatro. En algunos momentos de la historia de esta cueva, las estalagtitas de la misma han llegado a ser de enormes dimensiones. En 1792 una gran pieza de unos 45 centímetros fue cortada a partir del final superior. Se le realizó un corte transversal que reveló la estructura interior de la estalagmita. Dentro de un diámetro de aproximadamente 1,3 metros, y con ello conocer más sobre la historia de esta gruta. El Auditorio El Auditorio de la Cueva de San Michael tiene una capacidad para 100 personas. La acústica de este lugar es perfecta para el mejor disfrute del sonido de la cueva, y para la acústica del concierto en si |
| Thanks to
http://www.world66.com/ *********************The content is published under a creative commons licence : http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/1.0 / ). |
| Gibraltar Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Gibraltar Rock - Starting for fishing Gibraltar Rock - Starting for fishing The Rock of Gibraltar sits at the southernmost tip of Europe with a land frontier to the southern tip of Spain on its northern front. It rests at the crossroads of the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. The stretch of water that separates Gibraltar from north Africa is called the Strait of Gibraltar and throughout history has played a strategic part in battles fought and won to control the western Mediterranean seaways. Intrinsically linked with the sea, Gibraltar is one of the busiest Ports of Call in the Mediterranean. In the ancient times, right through the age of empires and in the global conflicts of our own century, Gibraltar has stood guard over this Mediterranean, its unique position making it the focus of a continuous struggle for power. This spectacular rock monolith covers a land area of about six square kilometres. Steeped in history dating back to the glacial period an official rock tour is the ideal introduction to Gibraltar’s past and highlights include: St Michael’s Cave, the Barbary apes' den, the Moorish Castle and the City Under Siege exhibition. Close to the top, of The rock, one can encouter these apes. A good tour guide can have them on your back or eating out of your hand in no time. Almost totally surrounded by sea, Gibraltar has six public beaches. On the East side of the rock there is Eastern Beach, Catalan Bay and Sandy Bay, then on the West side there is Western Beach, Camp Bay, and Little Bay. Water sports play a large part in Gibraltarian life and centre around its three marinas, Sheppard’s Marina, Marina Bay and Queensway Quay Marina. Diving, sailing and dolphin watching are widely enjoyed. * Highly recommend the Rock tour, including the apes, and a dolphin safari in the bayof Gibraltar. Gibraltar is 500 km south of Madrid. _____Getting Around Edit This [Add Local transport mode] Taxi Rock Tours Edit This The Gibraltar Taxi driver are well known throughout the world for their expertise on conducting rock tours by themselves which can be described as tailor made tours which can variate in time, on sites, therefore will enclose one of our rock tour leaflets with this information. Rock tours will be offered to any tourist arriving to Gibraltar. Frontier, Taxi stand and frontier sales office. On the four taxi stands along the Main Street. At the Coach Park. At the Cruise Liner Terminal. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] Bike Rental Edit This Rentabike 36b WATERPORT CIRCLE SHEPPARDS MARINA TEL 00 350 70420 FAX 00 350 73616 MOBILE 00 566 68000 type: general World66 rating: [rate it] Car hire Edit This Self-drive cars are readily available for hire and you can use them for trips into Spain. Both international and local firms operate this service with different rates and conditions. Rates generally include basic insurance, CDW (collision damage waiver), theft protection and unlimited mileage. There is a non-waiverable excess of £150 on any incident to the vehicle not recoverable by a third party Cars are delivered with a full tank of fuel and are to be returned full. Hire is restricted to drivers between the ages of 23 and 70 years. General, you must have had a driving more.. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] __________Getting There Edit This Air British Airways (BA) and Monarch Airlines operate direct services from the UK. Approximate flight time: From Gibraltar to London is 2 hours 30 minutes. International airport Gibraltar (GIB) (North Front) is 1km (0.6 miles) north of the town centre. A bus to the centre departs every 15 minutes from 0900-2130. Return is from the Market Place bus stop. The number 3 bus which runs every 30 minutes also goes to the airport. Taxis and courtesy coaches are available. Airport facilities include restaurants banks/bureaux de change tourist information duty-free shops and car rental (Avis Budget Europcar and Hertz). Sea International cruises are run by CTC P&O BI Polish Ocean Costa Norwegian American Norwegian Cruises/Union Lloyd and TVI Cruises. There is a regular ferry service to Tangier Morocco. Road The only international land access is the frontier with Spain at La Linea. __________Economy Edit This Economy—overview: Gibraltar benefits from an extensive shipping trade offshore banking and its position as an international conference center. The British military presence has been sharply reduced and now contributes about 11% to the local economy. The financial sector accounts for 15% of GDP; tourism (more than 5 million visitors in 1995) shipping services fees and duties on consumer goods also generate revenue. Because more than 70% of the economy is in the public sector changes in government spending have a major impact on the level of employment. GDP: purchasing power parity—$500 million (1997 est.) GDP—real growth rate: NA% GDP—per capita: purchasing power parity—$17 500 (1997 est.) GDP—composition by sector: agriculture: NA% industry: NA% services: NA% Inflation rate—consumer price index: 2.1% (1996) Labor force: total: 14 800 (including non-Gibraltar laborers) by occupation: services 60% industry 40% agriculture NEGL Unemployment rate: 13.5% (1996) Budget: revenues: $111.6 million expenditures: $115.6 million including capital expenditures of $NA (1995/96) Industries: tourism banking and finance ship-building and repairing; support to large UK naval and air bases; tobacco mineral waters beer canned fish Industrial production growth rate: NA% Electricity—capacity: 30 000 kW (1995) Electricity—production: 85 million kWh (1995) Electricity—consumption per capita: 2 667 kWh (1995) Agriculture—products: none Exports: total value: $83.7 million (f.o.b. 1995) commodities: (principally reexports) petroleum 51% manufactured goods 41% other 8% partners: UK Morocco Portugal Netherlands Spain US FRG Imports: total value: $778 million (c.i.f. 1995) commodities: fuels manufactured goods and foodstuffs partners: UK Spain Japan Netherlands Debt—external: $NA Economic aid: recipient: ODA $NA Currency: 1 Gibraltar pound (£G) = 100 pence Exchange rates: Gibraltar pounds (£G) per US$1—0.6115 (January 1998) 0.6106 (1997) 0.6403 (1996) 0.6335 (1995) 0.6529 (1994) 0.6658 (1993); note - the Gibraltar pound is at par with the British pound Fiscal year: 1 July—30 June _________Attractions Edit This [Add New] Barbary Apes Edit This First introduced by the British in the early 18th century from the mountains of Morocco, these wild tailless monkeys are inextricably linked with Gibraltar. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] Lower St Michael’s Cave Edit This During WWII excavations were being carried out at St Michael’s Cave to provide an additional entrance for the cave which was intended for use as a hospital. It was during this time that another system of caves which would become known as Lower St. Michael’s was discovered. The cave has an enchanting underground lake. Visits can be pre-arranged by the Tourist Board. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] St Michael’s Cave Edit This St Michael's Cave central auditorium used for Concerts and Son et Lumiere shows very popular with visitors to Gibraltar. St Michael's Cave central auditorium used for Concerts and Son et Lumiere shows very popular with visitors to Gibraltar. photo by: Unknown There are over 150 caves inside Gibraltar’s Rock in which numerous fossil remains have been found. The most famous cave is St. Michael’ Cave which is a dramatic natural grotto rich with stalagmites and stalactites. The cave’s natural auditorium is used for concerts and theatre performances. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] Moorish Castle- Tower of Homage Edit This Dating back to 1160AD, the castle and tower bear the scars from centuries of conflict. The structure dominates the hillside from the land ward approach to the Rock. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] _________People Edit This Population: 29 045 (July 1998 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 20% (male 3 131; female 2 731) 15-64 years: 66% (male 10 835; female 8 262) 65 years and over: 14% (male 1 684; female 2 402) (July 1998 est.) Population growth rate: 0.43% (1998 est.) Birth rate: 13.01 births/1 000 population (1998 est.) Death rate: 8.78 deaths/1 000 population (1998 est.) Net migration rate: 0.1 migrant(s)/1 000 population (1998 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.15 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.31 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female (1998 est.) Infant mortality rate: 6.61 deaths/1 000 live births (1998 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 78.19 years male: 74.9 years female: 81.64 years (1998 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.19 children born/woman (1998 est.) Nationality: noun: Gibraltarian(s) adjective: Gibraltar Ethnic groups: Italian English Maltese Portuguese Spanish Religions: Roman Catholic 74% Protestant 11% (Church of England 8% other 3%) Muslim 8% Jewish 2% none or other 5% (1981) Languages: English (used in schools and for official purposes) Spanish Italian Portuguese Russian Literacy: definition: NA total population: above 95% male: NA% female: NA% __________Nightlife and Entertainment Edit This As the sun goes down on the Rock, its many bars begin to fill with people enjoying the start of Gibraltar's nightlife. Queensway Quay, Marina Bay and more recently, Casemates Square are the hot spots for dining out and a wide selection of bars with live entertainment which stay open until the small hours. In addition to the 'bar scene', the Rock boasts an international casino, the Ladbroke International Casino Club which offers a terrace restaurant affording diners spectacular views over the Bay of Gibraltar. Live musical entertainment is available throughout the year. [Add Entertainment place] The International Casino - Gibraltar Edit This No membership or Passport Required. Smart Casual Wear type: Casinos World66 rating: [rate it] address: 7 Europa Road, Gibraltar tel: 00 350 76666 |
| Grazie a www.travelpuppy.com |
| Gibraltar Resorts
and Excursions Gibraltar Resorts and Excursions - TravelPuppy.com Gibraltar is an 18th-century British Regency town built on a 15th century Spanish town which was, in turn, built on a 12th century Moorish town. Major tourist sites and places of interest include St Michael’s Cave, situated 300m (1000ft) above sea level. This was known to the Romans for its fabulous stalactites and stalagmites. It is part of a complex series of interlinked caves including Leonora’s Cave and Lower St Michael’s Cave. Today, it is used for concerts and ballet. The Upper Galleries, hewn by hand from the Rock in 1782 house old cannons and tableaux evoking the Great Siege (1779-1783). The Apes’ Den is the home of the famous Barbary apes, which are in fact not apes but Macaque monkeys without tails. The Gibraltar Museum contains caveman tools and ornaments excavated from the Rock’s caves, including an imitation of the Gibraltar Skull, the first Neanderthal skull found in Europe (1848). There are also exhibits from the Greek, Phoenician, Roman, Spanish, Moorish and British periods of the Rock’s history; a comprehensive collection of prints and lithographs; an assortment of weapons from 1727 to 1800; a large-scale model of the Rock made in 1865; and displays of fauna and flora. The museum itself was built above a spectacular and complete 14th-century Moorish Bath House. Additional sites of interest are: the 14th-century keep of the much rebuilt Moorish Castle; the Shrine of Our Lady of Europe, a mosque before conversion to a Christian chapel in 1462, housing the 15th-century image of the Patroness of Gibraltar; the Lighthouse and new Mosque, brilliantly designed blending classic Islamic designs with modern facilities, located within a few yards of the Shrine of Our Lady of Europe; the ancient Nun’s Well, a Moorish cistern; the Rock Buster, a 100-ton gun; the 18th-century Garrison Library; Trafalgar Cemetery; Parson’s Lodge Battery (1865), above Rosia Bay; Alameda Gardens; Europa Point, just 26km (16 miles) from Africa; the almost-complete city walls, dating in part from the Moorish occupation. Some popular tourist activities in Gibraltar are: the cable-car trip to the top of the Rock, stopping at the Apes’ Den on the way up; the Convent, residence of the Governor, and formerly a 16th-century Franciscan Monastic house; the Guided Walking Tour of Places of Worship, every Wednesday at 1000, including visits to Gibraltar’s two cathedrals, the Garrison chapel, a synagogue, the Presbyterian church and the Methodist chapel – all buildings of historical interest; the guided walking tour around the city walls, every Friday at 1030; and the Mediterranean Steps Walk which starts at O’Hara’s Battery (the highest point in Gibraltar), snakes down the eastern cliff and around the southern slopes to the western side of the Rock. Queensway Quay and Marina Quay (two modern marina developments) provide visitors with the chance to indulge in some serious people watching while sampling mouth-watering seafood in one of the many attractive harbour side restaurants. Beaches Gibraltar has five beautiful beaches. On the east side are Eastern Beach, Catalan Bay and, towards the south, Sandy Bay, where the Rock is very sheer and parking difficult. Little Bay, a pebble beach, and Camp Bay/Keys Promenade are on the western coast. Excursions Day trips to Ronda, Malaga and Jerez in Andalucia (the Spanish province) can be arranged from Gibraltar (see the Spain section for further information on Andalucia), as can day trips by air to Tangier. ___________Gibraltar Business Gibraltar Business Overview - TravelPuppy.com Economy The most important sources of income are tourism and offshore financial services, mainly banking, insurance and shipping-related services. The industrial economy is based on ship repair, construction and small-scale manufacturing. The British armed forces – historically the most important source of revenue through their base facilities on the Rock – sharply reduced their presence from 1994 onwards and now provide less than 10 per cent of GDP. Since then, concessionary tax and corporate facilities for foreign companies have enhanced the financial services sector. Since 1998, a considerable gambling industry has developed, servicing clients from throughout Europe – again the consequence of a favourable tax regime – and it now makes a significant contribution to employment and government revenue. The economy on the whole is sensitive to the state of relations with Spain and, in particular, restrictions on border crossings since a significant number of Spaniards have jobs on the Rock. The UK is naturally the principal source of imports. Gibraltar is not an exporter as such but earns foreign exchange through re-export, mostly into Spain. Business English is by and large used for business, but Spanish may be used for business connected with Spain. Office hours: Monday-Friday 0900-1700; 0800-1400 in summer. Government office hours: Generally Monday-Friday 0845-1315 and 1415-1730, but hours differ according to department and season. Commercial Information Gibraltar Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 29, Watergate House, 2-6 Casements Telephone: 78376 Fax: 78403 E-mail: gichacom@gibnet.gi Information is also available from: The Gibraltar Government Office Telephone: (020) 7836 0777 Fax: (020) 7240 6612 E-mail: info@gibraltar.gov.uk Conferences/Conventions Europort Gibraltar, an 82,000 sq metre (212,000 sq ft) financial complex, offers wide-ranging office and conference facilities in addition to Gibraltar’s recently renovated hotels. St Michael’s Cave (see Resorts & Excursions section) offers a completely unique and scenic location for meetings. For additional information contact the Gibraltar Tourist Board, Conference and Incentive Division (tel: (020) 7836 0777; fax: (020) 7240 6612; e-mail: info@gibraltar.gov.uk). ________Gibraltar Contacts Gibraltar Addresses and Contacts - TravelPuppy.com Gibraltar country dialling code: 350 Diplomatic representation Gibraltar is a British Crown Colony, and is represented abroad by British Embassies – see United Kingdom section. Gibraltar Tourist Board Building Address Duke of Kent House, Cathedral Square, Gibraltar Telephone 74950 Fax 74943 E-mail tourism@gibraltar.gi Website address www.gibraltar.gov.gi UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Building Address Overseas Territories Department, King Charles Street, London SW1A 2AH, UK Telephone (020) 7008 1500 (general enquiries) or 8438 (visa enquiries) or 0117 (services for Britons overseas) or (0870) 606 0290 (travel advice) Facsimile (020) 7008 0155 (travel advice) or (020) 7008 8359 (visa enquiries) E-mail consular.fco@gtnet.gov.uk (travel advice only) or otdenquiries@fco.gov.uk Website www.fco.gov.uk Note Handles Gibraltar’s foreign affairs. All other enquiries should be made to the Gibraltar Tourist Board. The UK Passport ServiceA Building Address London Passport Office, Globe House, 89 Ecclestone Square, London SW1V 1PN, UK Telephone (0870) 521 0410 (24-hour national advice line) or (020) 7901 2150 (visa enquiries for British Overseas Territories) Fax (020) 7271 8403 E-mail info@passport.gov.uk or london@ukpa.gov.uk Website address www.passport.gov.uk or www.ukpa.gov.uk Note Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0730-1900; Sat 0900-1600;Personal callers for visas should go to the agency window in the collection room of the London office. Regional offices Belfast, Durham, Glasgow, Liverpool, Newport and Peterborough. Gibraltar Tourist Board Building Address Arundel Great Court, 178/9 The Strand, London WC2R 1EL, UK Telephone (020) 7836 0777 Fax (020) 7240 6612 E-mail info@gibraltar.gov.uk Website address www.gibraltar.gov.uk Gibraltar Government Office Building Address 1156 15th Street, NW, Suite 1100, Washington, DC 20005, USA Telephone (202) 452 1108 Fax (202) 452 1109 E-mail gibraltargov@msn.com Website address www.gibraltar.gov.gi Useful travel links Embassies of Gibraltar Embassy listings for Gibraltar ____________Gibraltar Contacts Gibraltar Addresses and Contacts - TravelPuppy.com Gibraltar country dialling code: 350 Diplomatic representation Gibraltar is a British Crown Colony, and is represented abroad by British Embassies – see United Kingdom section. Gibraltar Tourist Board Building Address Duke of Kent House, Cathedral Square, Gibraltar Telephone 74950 Fax 74943 E-mail tourism@gibraltar.gi Website address www.gibraltar.gov.gi UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Building Address Overseas Territories Department, King Charles Street, London SW1A 2AH, UK Telephone (020) 7008 1500 (general enquiries) or 8438 (visa enquiries) or 0117 (services for Britons overseas) or (0870) 606 0290 (travel advice) Facsimile (020) 7008 0155 (travel advice) or (020) 7008 8359 (visa enquiries) E-mail consular.fco@gtnet.gov.uk (travel advice only) or otdenquiries@fco.gov.uk Website www.fco.gov.uk Note Handles Gibraltar’s foreign affairs. All other enquiries should be made to the Gibraltar Tourist Board. The UK Passport ServiceA Building Address London Passport Office, Globe House, 89 Ecclestone Square, London SW1V 1PN, UK Telephone (0870) 521 0410 (24-hour national advice line) or (020) 7901 2150 (visa enquiries for British Overseas Territories) Fax (020) 7271 8403 E-mail info@passport.gov.uk or london@ukpa.gov.uk Website address www.passport.gov.uk or www.ukpa.gov.uk Note Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0730-1900; Sat 0900-1600;Personal callers for visas should go to the agency window in the collection room of the London office. Regional offices Belfast, Durham, Glasgow, Liverpool, Newport and Peterborough. Gibraltar Tourist Board Building Address Arundel Great Court, 178/9 The Strand, London WC2R 1EL, UK Telephone (020) 7836 0777 Fax (020) 7240 6612 E-mail info@gibraltar.gov.uk Website address www.gibraltar.gov.uk Gibraltar Government Office Building Address 1156 15th Street, NW, Suite 1100, Washington, DC 20005, USA Telephone (202) 452 1108 Fax (202) 452 1109 E-mail gibraltargov@msn.com Website address www.gibraltar.gov.gi Useful travel links Embassies of Gibraltar Embassy listings for Gibraltar ___________ Gibraltar History Gibraltar History - TravelPuppy.com Gibraltar is derived from Gibel Tariq – Tariq’s Mountain – which is named after Tariq Ibn Zeyad who led the eighth-century conquest of Spain by a combined force of Arabs and Berbers crossing from Africa. Gibraltar’s unusual status wasn’t obtained until almost 1000 years later, long after the Islamic invaders had been driven out by the Spanish, as a consequence of the 1713 Treaty of Utrecht which brought to an end the War of the Spanish Succession and gave the territory to Britain. The British understanding of the treaty moreover, holds that the territory was ceded to them for ever. The presence of a foreign-owned mini-state on the Spanish mainland has been a nuisance to Anglo-Spanish relations ever since (though the UK points to the Spanish-controlled enclaves of Ceuta and Mellila on the Moroccan coast). The Spanish dictator, General Franco, launched a campaign in 1963 through the United Nations to regain Gibraltar, adding to the pressure by closing the border and severing telephone links. Since the decease of Franco in 1975 and the return of democracy to Spain, relations between London and Madrid have improved greatly in every area – except Gibraltar. The existing Spanish position was first outlined by Felipe González, Spain’s Socialist premier during the 1980s, when he suggested joint Anglo-Spanish sovereignty. Consecutive Spanish governments, including the present Zapatero administration, have since refined the proposals, allowing for possible EU or NATO involvement. The British have no major objection, in principle, to the Spanish recovering full dominion over the territory – provided they are guaranteed continued access to its military base facilities. The trouble is that the Gibraltarians are having none of it: no handover; no joint sovereignty; no Spanish involvement whatsoever. In response to the latest round of talks between London and Madrid which began in 2001 and explored in detail probable joint sovereignty models, the Gibraltar government led by Peter Caruana organised a referendum in November 2002 to assess the popular mood. As anticipated, it returned a huge majority in favour of the status quo. Whatever its preferred option, it is politically not possible for any British government to cede the territory to Spain against the clear wishes of the inhabitants. Domestic political affairs in Gibraltar are dominated by two main blocs, the ruling centre-right Social Democrats and the opposition alliance of the Socialist Labour Partyand the Liberal Party. The Social Democrats formed the present government after their triumph under the leadership of Peter Caruana, who was re-elected as Prime Minister for a third term at the most recent poll in 2003. On the issue of sovereignty, there are some dissimilarity in emphasis, but no essential difference between the basic positions of any of the three parties. Following the 2002 referendum, whose legitimacy was rejected by both the British and Spanish governments, talks among the two staggered on for another six months. Finally, in June 2003, the British put the process on ice, telling the Spanish that without a fundamental change in the approach of the Gibraltarians, the status quo would remain. It is hard to see any prospect of transformation in the near future: should it come to pass, a major change in economic conditions (see Economy) is the most likely source. Talks have taken place in 2005 between the UK and Gibraltar government to discuss revisions to the constitution. The substance of these talks will remain off the record however until discussions are complete ___________Gibraltar Social Profile Gibraltar Culture and Social Profile - TravelPuppy.com Food & Drink There are bars and bistros all over the town and at the two marinas, operating under Mediterranean licensing hours and selling British beer. Restaurants cover the whole price range. Gibraltar’s geographical position and its history as a British colony means that it can put forward a large selection of British dishes as well as French, Spanish, American, Moroccan, Italian, Chinese and Indian cuisine. Spirits and tobacco are considerably cheaper than in the UK for identical brands. All types of alcoholic drinks are served, including draught beer. National specialities: Spinach Tortilla. Calentita and Panissa (both are like quiche but are made from chick pea flour). Nightlife Gibraltar has many discos and nightspots open until the early hours of the morning. The casino complex includes a restaurant, nightclub, roof restaurant (summer) and gaming rooms, and is open from 0900 to the early hours. Shopping All goods are sold in Gibraltar at reduced-tax prices and free of VAT. The majority of shops are in or near Main Street. Silk, linen, cashmere, carvings, glassware, porcelain, perfumes, jewellery, leatherwork, radios, electronic and photographic equipment and watches can be bought. Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0930-1930, Sat 1000-1300. Some shops open Sunday. Tipping Normally 10 to 15 per cent. ___________ Gibraltar Sports Gibraltar Sports - TravelPuppy.com Watersports Pier fishing facilities are available and there are charter boats for rent, although deep-sea fishing (for blue shark and swordfish) is not always available at short notice. Scuba-diving is a popular activity. Parasailing and water-skiing can also be practised here. Wildlife Bay of Gibraltar is home to a large population of dolphins and whales, and tourists can take boat trips to view these mesmerizing creatures. The Barbary apes, living high on the rock, are the only wild primates in Europe. Bird watching can be undertaken in spring and autumn, when thousands of migrating birds on their way between their breeding grounds in northern Europe and their wintering areas in Africa stop at the Rock. Owls, eagles, harriers, hoopoes, buzzards and black kytes join resident species such as Peregrine falcons and Barbary partridge. A large area of the upper rock has been declared a nature reserve, and there are plans for a botanical garden. _________Gibraltar Resorts and Excursions Gibraltar Resorts and Excursions - TravelPuppy.com Gibraltar is an 18th-century British Regency town built on a 15th century Spanish town which was, in turn, built on a 12th century Moorish town. Major tourist sites and places of interest include St Michael’s Cave, situated 300m (1000ft) above sea level. This was known to the Romans for its fabulous stalactites and stalagmites. It is part of a complex series of interlinked caves including Leonora’s Cave and Lower St Michael’s Cave. Today, it is used for concerts and ballet. The Upper Galleries, hewn by hand from the Rock in 1782 house old cannons and tableaux evoking the Great Siege (1779-1783). The Apes’ Den is the home of the famous Barbary apes, which are in fact not apes but Macaque monkeys without tails. The Gibraltar Museum contains caveman tools and ornaments excavated from the Rock’s caves, including an imitation of the Gibraltar Skull, the first Neanderthal skull found in Europe (1848). There are also exhibits from the Greek, Phoenician, Roman, Spanish, Moorish and British periods of the Rock’s history; a comprehensive collection of prints and lithographs; an assortment of weapons from 1727 to 1800; a large-scale model of the Rock made in 1865; and displays of fauna and flora. The museum itself was built above a spectacular and complete 14th-century Moorish Bath House. Additional sites of interest are: the 14th-century keep of the much rebuilt Moorish Castle; the Shrine of Our Lady of Europe, a mosque before conversion to a Christian chapel in 1462, housing the 15th-century image of the Patroness of Gibraltar; the Lighthouse and new Mosque, brilliantly designed blending classic Islamic designs with modern facilities, located within a few yards of the Shrine of Our Lady of Europe; the ancient Nun’s Well, a Moorish cistern; the Rock Buster, a 100-ton gun; the 18th-century Garrison Library; Trafalgar Cemetery; Parson’s Lodge Battery (1865), above Rosia Bay; Alameda Gardens; Europa Point, just 26km (16 miles) from Africa; the almost-complete city walls, dating in part from the Moorish occupation. Some popular tourist activities in Gibraltar are: the cable-car trip to the top of the Rock, stopping at the Apes’ Den on the way up; the Convent, residence of the Governor, and formerly a 16th-century Franciscan Monastic house; the Guided Walking Tour of Places of Worship, every Wednesday at 1000, including visits to Gibraltar’s two cathedrals, the Garrison chapel, a synagogue, the Presbyterian church and the Methodist chapel – all buildings of historical interest; the guided walking tour around the city walls, every Friday at 1030; and the Mediterranean Steps Walk which starts at O’Hara’s Battery (the highest point in Gibraltar), snakes down the eastern cliff and around the southern slopes to the western side of the Rock. Queensway Quay and Marina Quay (two modern marina developments) provide visitors with the chance to indulge in some serious people watching while sampling mouth-watering seafood in one of the many attractive harbour side restaurants. Beaches Gibraltar has five beautiful beaches. On the east side are Eastern Beach, Catalan Bay and, towards the south, Sandy Bay, where the Rock is very sheer and parking difficult. Little Bay, a pebble beach, and Camp Bay/Keys Promenade are on the western coast. Excursions Day trips to Ronda, Malaga and Jerez in Andalucia (the Spanish province) can be arranged from Gibraltar (see the Spain section for further information on Andalucia), as can day trips by air to Tangier. |