The Rock of Gibraltar is located in Gibraltar off the southwestern tip of Europe in the
Iberian Peninsula. The rock is a big monolithic limestone formation which many people call the "Pillar of Hercules." Geologically speaking, it was created when the African tectonic plate collided tightly with Europe some 55 million years ago. During those time, the Mediterranean Sea was sort of a lake but when the Atlantic Ocean broke through the Strait of Gibraltar, the Sea was formed. The rock formation is 426 meters high. It has attracted many tourists to the place, awe-inspired at how the Rock could be how it looks now. The white appearance of the rock was due to the lining made of Portland stone that was constructed in the 1800's.
Inside the rock are the Great Siege Tunnels which are complex system of criss-crossed tunnels and underground fortifications. The tunnels were built in 1782 by the British. This was during the Great Siege by the Spanish over the island of Gibraltar. The fortifications were then rebuilt after the Siege. It has become useful during the World War II, where the civilians were evacuated to the United Kingdom and also to Jamaica.
There's an idiom that goes " solid as the rock of Gibraltar" which is used to signify that a person or situation is difficult to overcome. Needless to say, the strength of the Rock of Gibraltar against aggression has made it a significant
emblem in history.
