Upper Rock Nature Reserve · Gibraltar
St Michael's Cave
The Awakening
Inside the Rock of Gibraltar, a cathedral-like cavern holds 20,000 years of history, geological wonder and legend. The Awakening brings its hidden formations to life through light and sound.
17
Attractions included
Over 300 m
Above sea level
20,000
Years of history
Signature Experience
The Awakening
The cavern lay in darkness for millennia. The Awakening illuminates its ancient formations and reveals details that would otherwise remain hidden.
Two years in the making. Four months of intensive installation. Fifty specialists across soundscaping, 3D animation, lighting design and projection mapping — honouring the cave's extraordinary natural beauty.
16+
Projectors
120+
Lights
60
Speakers
360°
Projection
Living History
“…it is often lit up with blue lights and torches for the entertainment of distinguished foreigners, or for picnic parties… A military band plays a choice selection of music down in the ‘first hall’ of the cave, whilst the guests flit about here and there… The scene as we look down into the deep cavern, is like one in fairy-land…”
Flora Calpensis, Reminiscences of Gibraltar, 1880
c. 15,000 BC
Cave Art
An ibex drawn in charcoal — proof of human presence during the last Ice Age.
AD 711
Moorish Wall
A defensive wall guarded the entrance during Tariq ibn Ziyad's conquest.
1704
The Spanish Night
Five hundred Spanish troops sheltered in the cave overnight after scaling the eastern face of the Rock under cover of darkness.
1942
Wartime Hospital
The cave was prepared as an emergency military hospital during the Second World War, but was never used for that purpose.
The Upper Cave
St Michael's Cave & The Awakening
Walk through a cathedral of limestone stalactites formed over millions of years. Experience The Awakening every 20 minutes. Open daily. Included in the Nature Reserve ticket.
The Experience
One cave.
One rock.
Infinite wonder.
Opening hours
Summer: 9:30 – 19:00 · Last entry 18:15
Winter: 9:00 – 18:00 · Last entry 17:15
Open throughout the year, except 25 December and 1 January.
Admission
Part of the Gibraltar Nature Reserve ticket.
Adults £30 · Children £22 · Under 5s free.
Getting there
By tour bus, taxi or on foot. The Gibraltar Cable Car is currently closed for a full refurbishment and is expected to reopen in 2027.
What to wear
Comfortable, non-slip footwear is essential. The cave remains at approximately 18°C throughout the year, so bring a light layer.
What visitors say
An unforgettable experience.
“Thousands of years old stalactites and stalagmites line this cave. I've seen lots of caves around the world. St Michael's Cave is just unbelievable.”
Sarah M.
· TripAdvisor · April 2025
“The light show is well worth seeing. Eerie but spectacular at the same time. A must-do when in Gibraltar — don't leave without seeing it.”
James & Ruth
· TripAdvisor · March 2025
“The only word to describe this cave is magical. The formations are extraordinary and you might even see the famous monkeys just outside.”
Marco F.
· TripAdvisor · February 2025