The Balcón de Europa – Balcony of Europe – is situated on a rocky promontory and was formerly a fortress designed to keep out British pirates and privateers.
Today it is the focal point of the town, affording magnificent views up and down the coast.
The Promenade, now completely pedestrianised, is lined with cafés and restaurants and in the summer it is a hive of activity until late at night.
You’ll find numerous artists, such as portrait painters and caricaturists, musicians, vendors of all types and, more than likely, the odd ‘living statue’.
It’s a great place to wander on a summer evening, or any other evening for that matter, and there are plenty of watering holes to choose from.
The Balcón de Europa is often used for special events or celebrations, including the traditional New Year’s Eve festivities with music, dancing and grand fireworks displays.
The Balcón de Europa was made famous by King Alfonso XII (1857 – 1885) and his statue can be found at the far end.
King Alfonso XII (1857-85) was king of Spain from 1874 to 1885 and was the son of Isabella II. He went into exile with his parents at the time of the revolt of the Carlists in 1868 and was educated in Austria and England.
In 1870 his mother abdicated her rights in his favour, and in 1874 he was proclaimed king. Supported by Martínez de Campos and Cánovas del Castillo, he consolidated the monarchy, winning greater popularity for it than it had enjoyed under his mother or grandfather, Fernando VII.
He was a victim of the cholera epidemic of 1885. His widow, Maria Christina (1858-1929), was regent during the minority of his posthumous son, Alfonso XIII.
The Church of El Salvador is situated opposite the Balcón de Europa and close to what used to be the Guards Tower.
It was erected in 1505, although the existing structure was not built until 1697.
It was further extended during the period 1776 – 1792.
There are also several well preserved fire-pieces from days gone by.
