Notice: Function _load_textdomain_just_in_time was called incorrectly. Translation loading for the um-bbpress domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /var/www/vhosts/staging.worldheritageuk.org/httpdocs/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6114

Notice: Function _load_textdomain_just_in_time was called incorrectly. Translation loading for the woocommerce domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /var/www/vhosts/staging.worldheritageuk.org/httpdocs/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6114

Notice: Function _load_textdomain_just_in_time was called incorrectly. Translation loading for the the-events-calendar domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /var/www/vhosts/staging.worldheritageuk.org/httpdocs/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6114
Gorham’s Cave Complex, Gibraltar | World Heritage UK
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

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

Resources:

UNESCO Assorted documents

Related news articles

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.…

Read more
World Heritage Day Monday 18 April 2022

New discovery at Vanguard Cave, Gibraltar

An exciting new discovery has been made in the Gorham’s Cave Complex World Heritage Site in Gibraltar. Vanguard Cave has…

Read more
New discovery at Vanguard Cave, Gibraltar

Reaping What You Sow in Germany

Historically rooted urban gardening in the World Heritage City of Bamberg (Germany) Award-winning documentary by Christian Beyer accompanies the establishment…

Read more
Reaping What You Sow in Germany

World Heritage UK in China

In March 2017, WH:UK Vice-Chair Tony Crouch was invited on a ‘high-level’ British Council delegation to China. Here is his…

Read more
World Heritage UK in China