Can you imagine Spanish troops seeking refuge right here? This is Fig Tree Cave. It is more than just a hole in the rock. Fig Tree Cave whispers tales of sieges and hidden histories.
Fig Tree Cave resides on Gibraltar’s eastern cliffs. It is near Martin’s Cave within the Upper Rock Nature Reserve. Its entrance is small. The cave widens to about 1 meter high. It is roughly 2 meters by 3 meters wide. The path inside slopes down at a 40-degree angle, ending in a muddy pit.
The story of Fig Tree Cave involves Simòn Susarte. He was a goatherd exiled from Spain. In 1704, after the Anglo-Dutch capture of Gibraltar, Susarte led 500 Spanish troops. They aimed to reclaim the Rock. On November 10, 1704, these troops sheltered in Fig Tree Cave and Martin’s Cave. They planned to ascend Middle Hill the next day. Sadly, the invasion failed because ammunition ran out. Reinforcements never arrived.
Later, in the 1860s, Captain Frederic Brome took an interest. He was the Governor of the Military Prison. Brome sought permission to explore Fig Tree Cave. He also wanted to explore Poca Roca Cave, St. Michael’s Cave, and Martin’s Cave. His goal was to find archaeological evidence. The Governor agreed to let ten prisoners work at Martin’s Cave.
Captain Brome gave Fig Tree Cave its name. He noted a fig tree growing above its entrance. He described it as a seaboard cave. It was located not far from Martin’s Cave but higher up. Brome observed the stalagmite at the entrance was polished. This suggested frequent use long ago.
Interestingly, Brome mentioned another smaller cavern. It ran parallel to Fig Tree Cave. He thought they might meet at the ends. However, these ends were too narrow to pass through. No remains were found there.
Fig Tree Cave’s wildlife is similar to that of Martin’s Cave. Both caves lie within the Upper Rock Nature Reserve. This highlights the area’s ecological importance.
In 2018, Gibraltar recognized Fig Tree Cave’s archaeological significance. The Government included it in the Heritage and Antiquities Act. This act acknowledges Fig Tree Cave No. 2 as an important site.
So, as you stand before Fig Tree Cave, remember its layers of history. It is a refuge for soldiers. It is a site of exploration. It is a protected heritage site. Fig Tree Cave is a small entrance to a big story etched into the Rock of Gibraltar.