World Heritage Day Monday 18 April 2022
World Heritage Day (originally known as the International Monuments and Sites Day) is a global celebration of this planet’s heritage.…
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Photo credit JC Finlayson
Gorham’s Cave Complex, Gibraltar
The Gorham’s Cave Complex is of major significance in understanding the global story of human evolution and adaptation.
Overseas Territories
Gorham’s Cave Complex, Gibraltar
The steep limestone cliffs on the eastern side of the Rock of Gibraltar contain four caves with archaeological and paleontological deposits that provide evidence of Neanderthal occupation over a span of more than 100,000 years.
This exceptional testimony to the cultural traditions of the Neanderthals is seen notably in evidence of the hunting of birds and marine animals for food, the use of feathers for ornamentation and the presence of abstract rock engravings. Scientific research on these sites has already contributed substantially to debates about Neanderthal and human evolution.
Official website-
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Did you know..?
Many people (Homo sapiens) living in Europe today have, on average, up to 2.5% Neanderthal DNA.
The spectacular cliffs on the Mediterranean side of the Rock of Gibraltar constituted a famous landmark in the classical world, known as the northern Pillar of Herakles – Mons Calpe to the Romans – and signalling the end of the Earth (ne plus ultra).
At the base of the highest peak, all mariners were required to land and make offerings to the gods in a cave that we know today as Gorham’s Cave.
Stats
Location: Gibraltar
Country: United Kingdom
Year of Inscription: 2016
UNESCO Criteria: (iii)
Contact information:
For more information about Gorham’s Cave Complex, Gibraltar, visit the website or contact visitor information on +350 200 74289