| Ever since 1713, when Spain had to hand
it over to Britain, Gibraltar has been the ongoing site of many battles.
Never reconciled with the loss of the small yet strategically very important
Southwest corner, Spain has always been eager to get it back. After 300
years of open military attacks and diplomatic crises that turned "the
Rock" into an impenetrable fortress with 70 kilometers of underground
tunnels, this micro-community is about to gain a new status. While Great
Britain and Spain are negotiating the terms and price, the people of Gibraltar
are raising their own voice and demanding independence. The geological
wonder and botanical paradise that is Gibraltar is also one of most fascinating
spots for international travelers and a place where centuries of different
influences have melted into a powerful mix of exotic customs. |
