View of rock in Gibraltar. (valeryegorov (123RF))
For over 300 years, the Spanish claimed ownership of the territory, Gibraltar. However, due to conflict between Spain, Britain and Nazi Germany, Gibraltar was held by Britain’s control since 1703. All three clashed for this one vast piece of land in WWII using spy and intel methods. With The Double Cross System as an example, the British were able to identify their enemies in attempt to convert them into “double agents” for the British authorities.
To break it down with a Stars Wars metaphor: in a Galaxy Far Far Away, the Galactic Empire, the Rebel Alliance and the Jedi Order tried to lay their flags on these grounds. Eventually, the Rock of Gibraltar became a huge tourist attraction. The location was renamed Sky Walk in 2018 and Luke Skywalker himself officiated the ceremony by cutting the red ribbon with a lightsaber.
Mark Hamill, or who may be better known as Darth Vader’s son, Luke Skywalker, was given this honor due to the name being similar to his performance of one of the most iconic characters film history.
3d illustration of a light saber on a black background. (asgraphicsb24 (123RF))
The Mystical Mountain Apes
Before ever setting foot on top of this humongous rock, you have multiple options to ascend. For one, my friends and I took the mountain gondola. The cable car takes a group of people all the way up, but this is not recommended if you are not a fan of heights. Trust me.
Once you arrive, you are ambushed by the mammals that inhabit the clouds. Known as Barbary Macaques, the mountain apes are the true mysteries of the Sky Walk. It is mainly due to the confusion to how they came to migrate there. Since Barbary Macaques are typically found in North Africa, It is presumed that they were imported.
Another popular speculation is that they travelled from their native Morocco and entered a subterranean tunnel beginning at St. Michael’s Cave. Despite their living environment, the apes are very passive and quite frankly do not indulge in other people’s affairs. They are kept well-fed and continually take care of themselves and tend to be very curious about Homo-Sapiens, especially if they possess a handbag or a backpack, because the apes might want to take a peek inside.
St. Michael Cave’s ‘Angel’
St. Michael’s Cave emits “an immersive light and sound installation, revealing hidden forms and unearthing Gibraltar’s ancient limestone journey” called The Awakening, according to the Nature Reserve. The Nature Reserve offers anyone the opportunity to host events such as concerts, shows, etc. Basically, considering the cave “as a venue.” With surprising mentions of Greek Mythology, both the pillars and the architecture were said to have been a passage for other worldly locations.
“The Rock of Gibraltar has long been considered to be one of the Pillars of Hercules... and the caverns themselves were thought to be the Gates to Hades, or Hell, an entryway of the Underworld.””
— gibraltar.com
Speaking of the Underworld, you can also find this angel-shaped structure, thought to have been where the Archangel Michael is said to have appeared. Just like a real angel, you can be mesmerized as though its wings are descending upon you.
The Castle That Withstood 10 Sieges
There is a fortress that lies southwest of the colony. Built in the early 1160s, the Moorish Castle has gone through countless sieges and conquests between Espana and the British. Repeatedly built and fortified, only to be destroyed when the Spanish reconquered Gibraltar. It has seen a total of 10 sieges, and stands tall to this very day, with its walls made of a material named Tapia, “a type of cement made of crushed pottery ...[then] mixed with limestone and or marble,” resulting to a complete stronghold of a castle. All of this volatile history, and yet, it still remains.
Highly Recommended
Although this visit was a random invite from a friend asking me to tag along, I am grateful. Not just for having the cool Stars Wars connection but also the history and foundations of what lies in this interesting territory. I implore those who travel to definitely give this place a visit and see what you make of it. Remember, the Force will be with you.
Editor’s Note: This article was written by a member of the local military community, not an employee of Stars and Stripes. Neither the organization nor the content is being represented by Stars and Stripes or the Department of Defense.
