The former military lookout point in Gibraltar became an observation deck

/ Architecture /
At one of the highest points of the Rock of Gibraltar, a cantilever observation deck with a glass path over a steep cliff appeared

The Rock of Gibraltar, rising from the western side of the Gulf of Algeciras on the southern coast of Spain, has been known since ancient times. The ancient Greeks, for example, considered it one of the pillars of Hercules, and in the era of the Arabs, the conquered Moors gave it the name Jebel-el-Tarik, in honor of their leader Tarik, who landed here and founded the fortress. Translated into the European style, it gave the modern name of Gibraltar.

Skywalk observation deck

Skywalk observation deck on the site of the former lookout point

Due to its geographical position, Gibraltar has always been an important strategic point, leading to the entrance from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea. On this rock, in an amphitheater in several tiers, seaside batteries are located, and inside there is a whole system of tunnels and rooms. During the Second World War, there were more than 30 people here. British soldiers, sailors and pilots. Now 40% of the Rock of Gibraltar is the Upper Rock protected area.

Local architectural practice Arc Design decided to transform one of the lookout points remaining on the rock. The observation deck, named Skywalk, is built directly above the surviving World War II military platform that served as a base for Bofors anti-aircraft guns.

The completely transparent glass Skywalk hangs directly over a steep cliff

Arc Designs "wrapped" the preserved stone platform with a 2,5-meter-wide glazed path with a transparent balustrade, a cantilever projecting over the steeply sloping slope. A steel staircase leads from the path to the upper part of the original military platform, where the former octagonal concrete base for the cannon, facing the horizon, now serves as a place for guests to rest.

The former concrete base under the artorudye was turned into a place for sitting

Located a little further to the north of another local attraction - O'Hara's Battery, which is considered the highest point on the rock - the Skywalk observation deck offers magnificent panoramic views both to the east and to the west, and visitors are free to choose what to admire - Europe or Africa, the Mediterranean Sea or the Atlantic Ocean.

One of the views from the observation deck

"The main task of this project was to present visitors with new unsurpassed views in all directions, including the one that opens from the rocky precipice of the cliff, and at the same time to guarantee minimal interference without diminishing the natural and historical nature of this unique place," — say Arc Design.

Skywalk allows you to view the surrounding landscapes of Gibraltar from any point, including from a steep rocky cliff

The construction of the observation deck is fixed with anchor bolts, each of which can withstand a tensile load of 15 tons. In addition, the anchors guarantee that the platform can withstand the speed of the wind arising over the crest of the rock, sometimes exceeding 150 km per hour. And you can go up to the Skywalk directly from the highway below with the help of a panoramic elevator that ties the cantilever structure to the rest of the area.

Visitors ascend the Skywalk with the help of a panoramic elevator. The site is located at an altitude of 340 m above sea level and can withstand the weight of 340 people, although it accommodates a maximum of 50 visitors

"Since access by car in this area is limited by very narrow and winding roads, the entire structure of the glass walkway had to be made in small sections that could be transported and assembled right on the spot. Working in an area with such rapidly changing weather conditions turned out to be a real challenge for us, and the assembly itself was additionally limited by the size of the crane that could be used here," Arc Design architects say.

The steel ladder of the Skywalk platform

The main steel structure of the observation deck is 18 separate parts, the total mass of which is more than 30 kilograms, and the glazing modules, consisting of glass panels with an area of ​​000 square meters, are roughly equivalent to the area of ​​four tennis courts, and the largest of the components weighs approximately 750 kilograms.

Skywalk at night

The Skywalk was built as part of a large-scale regional reconstruction project launched by the Government of Gibraltar, and the famous Hollywood actor Mark Hamill, who played Luke Skywalker in the legendary film saga "Star Wars", was invited to its opening, and he symbolically cut the festive ribbon with his Jedi sword.

One of the views from the observation deck