Gibraltar to Canary Islands

The invasion of "The Rock" by a Moorish army led by the Berber Tariq-ibn-Zayad on 27th April 711 was the catalyst for the ensuing invasion of Spain. The Rock was named Gibel Tariq after the 8th century invader. This name has evolved to the current name of Gibraltar. Four hundred and forty one years later "The Rock" was recaptured by a Spanish Army and was held until 1333 when the Moors drove the Spanish out. The Rock remained in Moors hands until driven out by the Spanish again in 1462. The Spanish enlarged and fortified the Rock until it was considered impregnable. The death of the Spanish King Charles II in 1700 created a political vacuum which led to "The War of the Spanish Succession" culminating in an invasion by Dutch and British forces in July 1704. The Treaty of Utrecht was signed on 13th July 1713 ending the war and yielding the Rock from the King of Spain to the British Crown - forever. Unfortunately the treaty did not clearly define the boundaries of the ceded Rock and in later years both Spain and the British Crown had differing interpretation of the boundaries to suit the needs of the times. Soon after capture in 1704 the Spanish commenced the first of three attacks to recapture the Rock. The first lasted six months, the second in 1725 lasted two years and at the end of the 18th century the Great Siege began. The British garrison held out for three years, seven months and twelve days. It is recorded that over 200,000 shot and shell were fired during the defence. each invasion attempt by the Spanishh failed and after the end of the Napoleonic Wars and prosperity Gibraltar became a British Crown Colony in 1830.

The border between Spain and Gibraltar today is a curious mixture of pomp and ceremony by both countries as there is still some friction regarding the actual borders. In reality the border is crossed by many thousand of workers and tourists each day. The passport inspection by immigration on both sides is at best cursory. It is considered a curtesy to slow one's bicycle down sufficient for the customs to check the color of the passport. Blue and red passports are waved through!

The border area between Spain and Gibraltar is actually the runway for the international airport at Gibraltar. The border gates are closed a few times a day as aircraft land and take off. Cars, buses,bicycles and pedestrians use the road joining the two countries that dissects the runway at right angles.

During the sieges in 1700 and particularly during WWII a maze of tunneling occurred. Today there are 55 kilometers of roads, excavations for water reservoirs,hospitals, kitchens and barracks for 12,000 troops.

Under Construction

Under Construction.