Mediterranean Steps
The Mediterranean Steps – Are You Up For The Challenge?
Although Gibraltar is tiny, with an area of under 6.5 square kilometres, you could be forgiven for thinking that there might not be much to do. On the contrary, the list of attractions is plentiful and the hardest part is deciding which places to visit. If you enjoy hiking, then the Mediterranean Steps are a must. Granted they're pretty challenging, and best avoided by the unfit or very young, but the stunning views coupled with the abundant flora, more than make up for a little breathlessness.
A brief history
The history of the Mediterranean Steps is closely linked with the defences of the area, as indeed are most of the attractions. They were created back in the 18th century by the military and were the quickest way for soldiers to move between two defence points. The steps start at Jews Gate, in the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, at an altitude of 180 metres and wind their way towards the highest part of the Rock, finishing at 426 metres. Here you'll find O'Hara's Battery where visitors will be surprised to find two 9.2 Inch guns. There's plenty of other military evidence on the way up, including placements for guns mid way and a few old buildings dating back to World War Two.
O'Hara's battery takes its name from General Charles O'Hara who governed Gibraltar between 1795 and 1802. He was often referred to as the 'Cock of the Rock' which was largely in part for the interest he took in the wives of the junior officers. O'Hara believed that if he built a tower at this southerly summit of the Rock, it would be possible to see enemy movement from Cadiz Harbour, some sixty miles in the distance. His tower was quickly built but was not very successful and the garrison nicknamed it "O'Hara's Folly". It was demolished in 1888 and eventually replaced in 1901 with a 9.2” gun which had a range of 29,000 yards partly accelerated by its height above sea level. The gun was last fired in 1976 and won't ever be fired again.
Renovations
The med steps were in a poor condition for some time and were considered dangerous in places. However, in 2007 extensive renovations were both financed and undertaken by the Bonita Trust under the watchful eye of the Governor of Gibraltar. Starting at the eastern face and winding round the rock, some parts of the route can be rough and windy in places, with steps cut out of limestone and set against the face of the cliff, whilst in other areas they level out; however, there are hand rails in place to make it safer. When you experience for yourself the sheer height and stunning vistas, it's not hard to see why so many visitors choose to scale the med steps, although it is definitely not for the faint hearted...
Present day
Following the renovation project, the guns and supporting infrastructure of O'Hara's Battery, opened as a tourist attraction in 2010. From the top of the Rock looking southwards, you can see spectacular views of the Straits of Gibraltar and of Africa and looking northwards you see a unique view of the whole of the Gibraltar Ridge line. There is a small fee to access the route which at the time of writing is 50 pence per person.
Best time to visit
Without doubt the best time to travel to Gibraltar and visit the Mediterranean Steps is in the Spring when the landscape is awash with brightly coloured wild flowers. Allow yourself around two hours and remember to wear sunscreen and take plenty of water with you. You'll no doubt stop plenty of times to look at all the wildlife, insects, butterflies and spiders which live in the caves. You'll also see plants which don't grow anywhere else in Europe, such as the Gibraltar Thyme and Gibraltar Candytuft. Keep your eyes open for the Campion, which is one of the rarest plants in the world today and highly endangered. You may even stumble across a wild ape sunning himself on the steps.
You could of course take the cable car to the top of the Rock and then walk back down the Mediterranean Steps, but the feeling of exhilaration and achievement when you reach the top, is what makes this one of the most worthwhile of the Gibraltar attractions.
Photos By Leo Hayes
Check out the Mediterranean Steps Video:
Created by Gold Productions Studios
