Cantilevered off the steep edges, near the top of the famous Rock of Gibraltar, it’s hard to believe this peaceful viewing platform once housed anti-aircraft guns, its critical location a strategic lynchpin during World War II.

Developed by Arc Designs, the Skywalk sits in the Upper Rock Nature Reserve on top of a natural stone base, accessed by steel stairs (or a panoramic lift) from below. The base of the gun emplacements have become benches.

Offering panoramic views of Europe and Africa, the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, it is easy to see why this place was known as the Pillars of Hercules

The views were part of a a design aimed to engage visitors, “while at the same time ensuring a subtle intervention, which did not detract from the natural and historic nature of this unique setting.” Slim steel and extensive glass help minimize the visual impact of the lookout platforms and walkway.

Engineering was critical, too, for this extreme location. “Because vehicular access to this area is limited to very narrow and winding roads, the entire walkway structure had to be fabricated in smaller sections which could be transported and assembled together in-situ.”

The modular structure has to support not just visitors but extremely high winds on the exposed surface of the Rock.

The Rock itself is a monolithic limestone promontory located in the British overseas territory of Gibraltar, near the southwestern tip of Europe on the Iberian Peninsula.