Europa Point
Europa Point – Great Views, Great History And Much More
Any form of travel to Gibraltar wouldn't be complete without a visit to Europa point. It sits on the southern most tip of the Rock, and as a result, is arguably one of the most southerly points in Europe. On a clear day you can easily make out the stunning Riff mountains of Morocco, Mount Sidi Musa and the Spanish enclave of Cueta, which can seem within touching distance. It is also the very point at which the Mediterranean Sea and the great Atlantic Ocean meet.
The Lighthouse
The waters around the point are pretty treacherous to say the least, and as a result many ships have been lost here over the years. Even as late as 2007, a Panamanian cargo vessel got into difficulty around the point and was scuppered. That said, there has been a lighthouse situated here for over 170 years.
In 1838 the building of a lighthouse was commissioned by the then Governor, Sir Alexander Woodford and was completed in 1841. Later on, a fog horn was installed as a further warning, which would give passing ships two short sharp blasts. In 1956 electrification came to the lighthouse, which meant that it had more power than ever before and lighting could now be beamed using full revolutions. In 1994 full automation was complete, and as a result the light from the lighthouse can now be seen for a distance of up to 17 miles or 27 kilometres. It is also known as the 'Trinity lighthouse' and is the most southerly lighthouse for which Trinity House is responsible, and indeed, the only one outside of the UK. To this day the lighthouse has become one of the main Gibraltar attractions at Europa point.
Ibrahim Al Ibrahim Mosque
Another interesting feature of the point is the Ibrahim Al Ibrahim mosque. It is also known as the Mosque of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and also has a third title which is the 'King Fahd bin Abdulaziz Al-Sud Mosque'. It is fair to say though, that the majority of people know it as the 'Ibrahim Al Ibrahim Mosque'. It was given as a gift by King Fahd of Saudi Arabia and after taking over two years to build, it was said to have cost more than £5 million. The mosque was officially opened in 1997 and is the southernmost mosque to be situated in continental Europe. It is also arguably one of the largest mosques in a non Muslim country. Although seemingly a simple structure, it is architecturally beautiful in it's own right and is more than just a place of worship. Also contained within are a school, a large lecture hall and a library. It was built in order to serve the needs of the many Muslims in the community, which number in excess of 2000. Along with the lighthouse it remains as one of the most popular attractions on the rock.
The Shrine Of Our Lady Of Europe
The final attraction to see here is the Shrine Of Our Lady Of Europe. In 1462, the Spaniards, under the leadership of Don Rodrigo Ponce de Leon, managed to rid the peninsula of the Moors, in what was to be the last time (they would never conquer here again). A small mosque was hastily converted into a shrine which was to be called the "Shrine Of Our Lady Of Europe". The intent was to devote this southerly tip of Europe to the gods. Not long after this, a small wooden statue was carved (around 2 feet in height) of the virgin Mary cradling her child. She was immortalised holding a three pronged sceptre and each prong symbolized truth, justice and love.
Over the centuries the shrine became known and was revered by sailors, soldiers and indeed pirates alike, many of them looking for divine inspiration and a safe passage. In 1704 Gibraltar was captured by the British, who immediately stripped the shrine of any valuables and flung the carved figure of the Virgin Mary onto the rocks below. It was surprisingly picked up by a passing fisherman and taken to Algeciras for safe keeping. The shrine was no longer a place of worship and over the next 250 years fell into decay. It was used as an ammunition store for the army, an oil store and even a library. It wasn't until 1962 that it got restored to its former glory. The pope is also said to have taken an interest in its restoration. Nowadays tourists come from miles around to visit the shrine which has seen so much history pass through its doors.
As you can see, Europa point is more than just a place where you can see awe inspiring views. It's a slice of history that has embellished, worship, tragedy and war. Because of this, it's a must see part of Gibraltar.
Photos By Leo Hayes
Check out this Europa Point video:
Created by Gold Productions Studios
