Caves / Tunnels, Gibraltar

Historical Background
The history of the cave is quite interesting. In 1704, 500 volunteers intent on retaking the Rock for Spain scaled the east side, following a goatherd's path and spent the night in St Michael's Cave. The second night they emerged and scaled Charles V wall at the top of the Rock and killed the guard at Middle Hill. At this point a detachment of troops had made its way up from the town and a battle ensued the outcome being that the invaders were beaten at a precipice called 'El Salto del Lobo' or 'Wolf's Leap'.
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In the 19th century it became fashionable for elite visitors to the Rock to see the cave, which would be specially lit at the expense of the rich residents of Gibraltar. Men of the Royal Artillery balancing on pinnacles of stalagmite held up blue lights and red torches, and when picnic parties were held a military band would play in the first hall of the cave. At the same time the cave was also used as a duelling ground by officers of the Garrison of Gibraltar. Blasting operations carried out during WWII revealed a further series of deeply descending chambers now called Lower St Michael's Cave. These chambers end in a small lake.
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In 1960 the entrance chamber to the main cave was converted into an auditorium. The accoustics and natural beauty combine to make it a favourite venue for concerts and plays. At some point in its history, part of a stalagmite became to heavy on one side and fell (probably thousands of years ago). It now lies on its side at the far end of the main chamber, cemented through years by nature, to the floor of the cave.
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It is illegal to break, deface or in any way tamper with stalagmites and stalactites. Please do not spoil in seconds what nature has taken centuries to create.