What is the Shrine of Our Lady of Europe at Europa Point, and can visitors go inside?
Short answer
The Shrine of Our Lady of Europe is Gibraltar's Catholic national shrine at Europa Point, dedicated to Our Lady of Europe, the patroness of Gibraltar. It began as a small Moorish-era building converted into a Christian shrine in the fourteenth or fifteenth century, and visitors can go inside when it is open, though opening hours are limited.
Detailed answer
The shrine stands at Europa Point, the southernmost tip of Gibraltar, close to the Trinity lighthouse, the Ibrahim-al-Ibrahim Mosque and the University of Gibraltar. It is a Roman Catholic parish church and the national shrine of Gibraltar.
History
A small Moorish-era building at Europa Point was converted into a Christian shrine dedicated to Our Lady as Patroness of Europe after Castilian forces took Gibraltar. Historians differ on whether this happened between 1309 and 1333 or after 1462. A large chapel was later built at right angles to the original east wall.
Ships passing through the Strait traditionally saluted the shrine. The original statue was damaged in 1704, spent many years away, and was returned to the shrine in procession in the 1960s. It was blessed and crowned in Rome in 2002.
Visiting
- Opening hours are limited, so check before making a special trip.
- Parish telephone: +350 200 71230.
- Combine it with the lighthouse, the mosque, Harding's Battery and the Nun's Well.