But beyond these political machinations the rock outcrop presents other features of interest. Its flora and fauna, with a visitor-focussed tribe of Barbary apes, a protected, lush vegetation on the steep southern slope and a complex of natural caverns. In visiting St Michael's Cave, with a Cathedral chamber over 250 feet deep, it is the tall columnar, stalagmitic formations that demand attention. The acoustic qualities of the cavern have been even formalized into a concert venue. But generally the visitor bypasses the deep history of Gibraltar's many caves.
Over 150,000 years ago Neanderthal families made use of the cave system as living quarters, for ritual and probably burial purposes. Archaeological excavations since the mid 19th century, and most recently in the 1990s, have revealed the tool kits, hearths, refuse and even the bones of these early hominids. One episode of habitation coincides with Ice Age conditions when sea level was as much as 100m lower than today. The Stone Age food refuse of shellfish, ibex, auk, seal and even roasted pine nuts presents a choice menu reminiscent of our own Caledonian Star!