Below are six examples of balconies which have become just as famous as the buildings they are attached to.
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The most famous balcony in fiction is without doubt the one which belonged to Juliet Capulet in Shakespeare's most famous tragedy, Romeo and Juliet, as it was from here the lovestruck teenage heroine lamented, ‘Wherefore art thou, Romeo?’. There is actually a house in Verona - Casa di Giulietta - which claims (with no real justification) to be the place where this legendary scene was set. Regardless of its credentials, the balcony at Casa di Giulietta is visited by thousands of people every year, many of whom leave letters addressed to Juliet on the walls underneath the balcony. Believe it or not, many of these letters are replied to by the 'Secretaries of Juliet', a small group of volunteers who take time out from their own lives to proffer advice of the heart to lovestruck individuals all around the world.
The balcony at the front of Buckingham Palace overlooking the Mall is known the world over for being the vantage point where the Royal Family waves (somewhat oddly) to the public following special events. This is the place where just wedded Royal couples come to treat cheering crowds to a public kiss, and where the Royal Family as a whole comes to watch RAF jets perform a flypast at the end of the annual Trooping the Colour ceremony. However, it is perhaps the sight of Winston Churchill giving his famous 'V-for-victory' salute alongside the Royal Family on VE Day in 1945 which remains the most iconic moment in the balcony's long and illustrious history.
It would be fair to say that St Peter's most prominent balcony - the Loggia of the Blessings – gets more attention than any other balcony in the world. After all, more than a billion Roman Catholics look to it with baited breath when a new Pope is announced, and it is also the place where the Holy Father gives the Urbi et Orbi blessing to the planet's Catholic population on special occasions. Built at the start of the 17th century, the Loggia of the Blessings has an ornate beauty which compliments its religious significance perfectly.
New Orleans is famous for being one of the USA's most charming and effervescent cities. The Old French Quarter (Vieux Carré) is the heart and soul of the city as it is here where most of New Orleans' historic Creole and Spanish style historic buildings are located. These striking structures, especially those bordering Jackson Square, Bourbon Street and Royal Street are known for their beautiful laced balconies, many of which have elaborate designs featuring motifs ranging from abstract to leafs, fruits, and cherubs. As well as affording New Orleans a great deal of aesthetic beauty, these balconies allow residents and visitors alike to really soak up the lively action of Mardi Gras every February/March.
Eva 'Evita' Perón was the most beloved woman in Argentina during the mid-twentieth century. In her short yet very eventful life, Peron became an actress, fought for labour rights, championed women's suffrage, set up numerable charities and married the president of Argentina. Tragically, she died from cancer at the tender age of 33, leaving many in Argentina inconsolably heartbroken. This moving story was brought to the big screen via the 1996 film Evita, with Madonna earning rave reviews (to everyone's surprise) in the lead role. The most iconic – and moving - scene of the film is where she sings “Don’t Cry For Me Argentina” from the resplendent balcony of the palatial mansion and office of the President of Argentina, the Casa Rosada. Rumours that the egotistical singer wanted balcony safety glass fitted to the scene for her own peace of mind remain unsubstantiated.
After serving more than 27 years for opposing the South African Government's policy of apartheid, Nelson Mandela was finally released from prison in 1990. After walking slowly away from Victor Verster prison with his then-wife Winnie on the 11th of February 1990, Mandela made his way to the Cape Town City Hall where, watched by thousands in the streets and millions around the world, he stood on the balcony, looked upon his countrymen and promised a new chapter in South African history. This was without doubt one of the twentieth century's most powerful, moving and significant moments.
Francesca Holmes is a writer and often writes about home improvement tips. When not on a mission to bring high-end architecture to the masses, she enjoys exploring the great outdoors.