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St. Michael's Caves Gibraltar.
St. Michael's Caves in Gibraltar are situated some 300m above sea level on the southerly end of the Rock of Gibraltar. They are a marvellous sight with many truly impressive stalagmites and stalactites.
It has long been believed that the caves are bottomless which in turn gave credence to the theory that there was once a subterranean link, about 15 miles long,between Gibraltar and Africa and that it was through this thatthe Apes of Gibraltar, the only wild monkeys in Europe, found their way onto the Rock many centuries ago. Certainly they have their counterparts across the Mediterranean in Africa and the only other feasible explanationfor their appearance on mainland Europe is that they were introduced bysailors who collected them on their travels. 
The rest of the caves consist of various interconnecting passagewayswith some really impressive stalagmites and stalactites. At some pointin it's past one of these enormous structures, unable any longer to bearit's own weight, gave way and fell. In 1792 an inquisitive person removed a section from it's top end and this has left the interior of the stalactite exposed, giving us a wonderful insight into the secret history of these magnificent structures.
It shows quite clearly in rings the history of it's growth, for instance during periods of excessive rain its growth is indicated by light-brown rings and patches and the darker areas were formed during periods of less rain. Perhaps the two thin lines of crumbly white substance are the most interesting part of its structure as it is believed that these represent glacial periods.During the preparation of the caves for a military hospital the blasting required to improve ventilation revealed a series of further caves and an underground lake. However these can only be visited with a guide by prior arrangement.
One of the best ways to get up to the caves is by cable car which operatesfrom the car park at the top end of the Rock. The car will take you to the topof the rock from where it is a pleasant stroll down to St. Michael's caves.This will also enable you to take in the wonderful views of both the Atlantic and the Mediterranean and of course see many of the Gibraltar apes. On leaving thecaves you can then continue to walk down until you reach the mid-waystage and pick up the cable car again. For the less energetic you can takea trip in a taxi. The driver will also take you to meet the apes, give you a potted history of the Rock of Gibraltar and wait for you whilst you visit the caves. Whichever way you decide to do it a visit to both St. Michael's caves and tothe apes is a very enjoyable excursion. Visit the Tripadvisor for unbiased reports on where to stay and what to see in Gibraltar.
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St. Michael's Caves Gibralter, The Cathedral Cave, often used for concerts.