Where is the Rock of Gibraltar?

The Rock of Gibraltar is a monolithic limestone rock 426 m (1,398 ft) high located in Gibraltar. It is also known as the Pillars of Hercules. The Rock was one of the pillars that flanked the Strait of Gibraltar, the other promontory being located in Northern Africa. It is situated on the Iberian Peninsula close to the Southwestern tip of Europe. Most of the rock’s upper surface is covered in the natural reserves. For this reason, the Rock of Gibraltar is a home to a number important flora and fauna species, which attracts tourists to the sites.

Tourism

The Gibraltar Nature Reserve located in the upper Rock area is home to approximately 300 Barbary macaques (Macaca sylvanus), commonly known as rock monkeys in the area. The five troops are the European continent's only wild monkey population.

The Rock is also known for its many underground tunnels. Constructed by the British Army over about 200 years, the 55 km (34 miles) of tunnels can accommodate 16,000 men and supplies. Many of the tunnels are now under the control of the Government of Gibraltar and are open for tourists to visit.

Geology

The formation of Rock of Gibraltar dates back to the Jurassic period. The Jurassic period was around 175-200 million years ago in history. However, some parts of the Rock of Gibraltar exhibit actions in the recent past, approximately 5 million years ago. The recent activities took place when the African Tectonic Plate collided with the Eurasian plate. The Rock of Gibraltar is described to be a monolithic promontory. The peaks of the Rock of Gibraltar, some of which are above 400 meters above the sea levels, were formed by early Jurassic dolomites and limestone.

Location of the Rock of Gibraltar

The Rock of Gibraltar is in Gibraltar. The rock of Gibraltar is located in Gibraltar, which is an overseas territory of Great Britain. It is therefore considered a property of the United Kingdom. Gibraltar, however, is bordered by Spain and is located on the Iberian Peninsula. Tthere have been conflicts between England and Spain on who owns it. The 1713 Treaty of Utrecht gave England full sovereignty over Gibraltar. Since England rightfully acquired the land, Spain has been striving to get it back. Gibraltar itself has voted in the 2002 and 1967 referendums to remain part of England. Nonetheless, Spain has declined to give up and still contests for ownership of Gibraltar.