The first thing we are going to do when it comes to knowing the meaning of the term balcony is to discover its etymological origin. In this case, we can say that it is a word that derives from Italian, exactly from “balcony”, which was the name given to the platform that came out of an upper area on the facade. That word that we cannot forget came from another Germanic word such as “balko”, which is synonymous with “beam”.
The term is used to name the window that extends to the floor of an environment and that gives rise to a space that extends beyond the closed surface of the construction, with a railing or handrail as a limit.
The balcony, therefore, is a platform that is supported by corbels or columns and that projects from the wall of a house or building. It is a structure that is elevated from the ground.
For example: “I am going to hang my clothes on the balcony so it dries faster”, “On my balcony I have several flowering plants”, “Grandpa Héctor usually spends his sunny mornings reading on the balcony”.
The window or door that opens and closes to allow or prevent the passage to the balcony is also known as a balcony: “It started to rain: could you please close the balcony so that the water does not enter the dining room?” , “I think I’ll open the balcony to get some fresh air”, “When opening the balcony, the young man was surprised by the low temperature. “
In residential homes, the balcony is often used for a panoramic view of the outside, hanging clothes, growing plants, or enjoying the outdoors. In other contexts, balconies are used in ceremonies or to deliver speeches that can be followed from outside the building by many people.
In the same way, we cannot ignore that in many cities of the world the balconies of the town halls are used to, among other things, host the proclamations that are made when the festivities begin. A good example of this is the balcony of the Pamplona City Council (Navarra) from which the proclamation is given and the “chupinazo” takes place with which the San Fermín festivities begin.
The balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, to cite one case, is used by the pope to give mass or blessings.
Likewise, it is necessary to establish the existence of balconies that are true architectural jewels. Among those stands out, for example, that of the Casa Milá in Barcelona, made by Antoni Gaudí.
Literature has made use of balconies to develop important scenes. This would be the case, for example, of the famous balcony scene in “Romeo and Juliet” (1597) by William Shakespeare. Moment in which the young man takes advantage of that corner of his Juliet’s house to expose his love to her. A love that will be reciprocated from that moment.
