Balconies are an architectural accent of a special kind. Forced to looking up from below while passing by on the street the balcony serves as an eye-catcher. However, regarded down from the perspective of the balcony it is providing a refuge. It shields off the chaos of city life, but also offers an urban panorama from within. Thus, balconies are an elegant or elementary, representative or simple coming together of urbaneness and closeness to nature. Captivating detailed photographs portray a wide spectrum of forms and styles on a journey through Europe's most fascinating cities. The copiously illustrated book documents the entire scope of balcony construction from ancient to brand new, from frugal to pompously ornate, from functional to playful.