Gibraltar has a long and fascinating history dating back as far as the 8th century A.D. Often referred to as the "Gateway to the Mediterranean," this small piece of real estate (which is simultaneously a small city and technically its own country with its own airport, currency, postage stamps, naval and military garrisons, two cathedrals, its own newspapers, radio, TV, and casino) has changed hands between the Dutch, French, Spanish, Moors, and British, in whose possession it currently resides. Besides having people of mixed backgrounds, Gibraltar also boasts spectacular land formations like caves and the famed Rock of Gibraltar, a huge limestone rock rising out of the sea to a height of 1,396 ft. The town of Gibraltar is on the west side of the Rock.
