Europa Point, Gibraltar

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I always like to see a lighthouse and the one at Europa Point looked like quite a tidy affair, although it was too far away from our bus to allow us enough time to go for a closer look.

This British-designed masonry tower was built on the very southern tip of Gibraltar in 1841 and has a flashing white light at a height of 49 m (161 feet) above sea level, as well as two red lights slightly lower - one steady and the other flashing. With its elevated position, the lighthouse signal can be seen at sea from a distance of 37-kilometres (17 miles). The lighthouse is also equipped with a fog horn for good measure. The site is open to visitors but there is no access to the tower itself. It must look quite impressive from the Mediterranean Sea - with it's sharply dropping cliff in front and both the new Mosque and the Rock itself rising behind it!

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This view looking directly north toward Spain gives some idea of the shape of The Rock on its eastern side. The smaller cliff above sea at the right is about 160 feet high, the same level at which the lighthouse was built. The taller cliff behind it is the 430 foot high Windmill Hill which has a flat area out of sight behind it called the Windmill Flats, where more gun batteries are located to protect Gibraltar from the east. The actual 1300 foot peak of Gibraltar is lost in the distant mist. Defenses on the eastern side of the Rock are fewer than most other areas because of the rocky beach and sheer cliffs rising quickly up - not a good spot for an attacker to land!

Because it was winter, it was nice to spot a few colourful flowers too (2nd photo), located just below a new pipeline of some sort that runs on the surface in this part of Gibraltar. Unfortunately, the bus was about to leave on our return journey, so we had no time for a closer look.

This lighthouse at Europa point was built by Sir Alexander Woodford the Govenor of Gibraltar in 1841.
It is now automated since 1994 but the lighthouse and the keepers cottage is still maintained.

The foundations were laid in 1838, and came into full operation in 1841.

Situated in the south of the city,you can view the Mediterranean, see Africa across the Straits to your left and Spain to the right. You can also buy some souvenirs, food and drink from the one shop there, which is in fact the last shop in Europe! Seriously!!!!

UPDATE 11/03/07
I have been told that the most southerly shop in Europe is no longer standing at Europa Point...they are building a lot of new apartments in that area, so it could have been knocked down for that reason!

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The lighthouse is situated at Europa Point at the southern tip of Gibraltar. It is the only Trinity Lighthouse outside the United Kingdom. Built in 1841 with a height of 49 metres, it was manned until recently but is now operated automatically.

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The first stop on our trip was at the southernmost end of Gibraltar which is called the Europa point where you can get a view of both Spain, Africa and the Strait of Gibraltar - standing on the English ground of Gibraltar. There is a light-house there and a small chapel, The Roman Catholic Shrine of our Lady of Europe. Opposite the Europa point there is a mosque, Ibrahim-al-Ibrahim mosque, which was a gift from King Fahd of Saudi Arabia.

Do pay this place a visit, the view from here is fantastic.

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This is where I realized that our planet is big and small at the same time. From Europe I could see Africa and it seemed so close that if I reached out enough I could touch it! The feelin was great and is so far the best site i've visited! I LOVED IT!!! And it's free.
It's a must to see in a life time.
You will understand why the detroit of Gibraltar is a important location in history and for tranportation.

WOW is all I can say!!! You have to see it from your eyes and fell it under your feet to understand what I mean!

Europa Point is Gibraltar's southerly tip, Here stands a lighthouse, and a silver map pointing out where you will end up if you went far enough in that direction.

Also the Shrine of our Lady of Europe is here.

It was quite a peaceful place here, sitting looking out to Morocco and over the Straits of Gibraltar.

Our first stop on our 2 hour tour was Europa Point and the highlight for me was the lighthouse. Brilliantly painted and standing out like a lighthouse should it was what I expected from a traditional maritime port.

Construction of the lighthouse commenced in 1838 and was officially opened in 1841. The lighthouse stands 50 metres above the sea and the light can be seen from 27km ( 20 miles) away.

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The Ibrahim-al-ibrahim Mosque is known also as the Mosque of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the King Fahd bin Abdulaziz al-Saud Mosque. You will find the mosque at the most southern tip at Europa Point. Incorporated in the mosque site is a library, school and a lecture hall.